Vodacom resolved its 19-year legal dispute with Nkosana Makate over the Please Call Me service through a confidential agreement approved by company directors on November 4, 2025. The telecommunications firm confirmed the settlement was recorded in its interim financial statements ending September 30, 2025, with both parties withdrawing all pending court appeals. This concludes South Africa's protracted intellectual property case that began when Makate, a former employee, claimed he invented the free call-back feature in 2000 without receiving promised compensation.
Makate's concept became a widely used service generating substantial revenue for Vodacom. The dispute involved multiple court rulings since 2008, including a 2016 Constitutional Court directive for fair compensation negotiations. While financial terms remain undisclosed, the resolution eliminates ongoing litigation risks for Vodacom and establishes precedent regarding employee innovation rights. Investors may review prior regulatory filings for case background as the company shifts focus to operational priorities following this closure.
Makate's concept became a widely used service generating substantial revenue for Vodacom. The dispute involved multiple court rulings since 2008, including a 2016 Constitutional Court directive for fair compensation negotiations. While financial terms remain undisclosed, the resolution eliminates ongoing litigation risks for Vodacom and establishes precedent regarding employee innovation rights. Investors may review prior regulatory filings for case background as the company shifts focus to operational priorities following this closure.
