Kenneth Nkosana Makate, the man who invented the ‘Please Call Me’ service, allowed users to send free call-back messages when they had no airtime. Here is a timeline of his journey at Vodacom
2000: The Birth of ‘Please Call Me’
While working as a trainee accountant at Vodacom, Makate, inspired by his long-distance relationship with his girlfriend, came up with the idea for ‘Please Call Me.’ His girlfriend, a student at the time, struggled with affording airtime, a problem faced by many mobile users in South Africa. This led him to create a simple yet effective solution to bridge that gap—allowing people to stay connected even without airtime for calls.
Makate pitched the idea to his superior, Philip Geissler, who verbally agreed to compensate him for the concept. However, Vodacom rolled out the service without formally acknowledging Makate’s contribution or paying him.
2006: Resignation from Vodacom
After dedicating nearly 11 years to the company, Makate resigned from Vodacom in February 2006. Despite the growing success of the ‘Please Call Me’ service, no compensation or recognition had been given to him for his invention. His departure from the company did not mark the end of his quest for justice, but rather the beginning of a long legal journey.
2008: Legal Battle Begins
In 2008, Makate took Vodacom to court, seeking fair compensation for the service that had generated billions for the company. The case would become one of the most high-profile intellectual property disputes in South Africa. Makate fought through various legal channels for years to prove that Vodacom owed him for his invention.
2016: Constitutional Court Victory
After an eight-year battle, Makate finally won in the Constitutional Court in 2016. The court ruled in his favor, acknowledging him as the creator of the ‘Please Call Me’ service and ordering Vodacom to enter into negotiations with him for reasonable compensation. The ruling was seen as a major victory for intellectual property rights in South Africa, giving hope to many inventors and innovators.
2023: The Compensation Dispute Continues
Despite the court ruling, Makate’s fight for fair compensation is far from over. He is reportedly seeking up to R126 billion, arguing that the service generated vast amounts of revenue for Vodacom. However, Vodacom has offered a much smaller amount, and the negotiations have yet to be finalized. The ongoing dispute reflects the complexities of intellectual property rights and the challenges of fighting large corporations.
The Legacy of ‘Please Call Me’
Kenneth Makate’s invention has left a lasting impact on South Africa’s mobile industry, providing a solution that connected millions of people. While his battle for compensation continues, his legacy as the creator of ‘Please Call Me’ is firmly established. The story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of recognizing and rewarding innovation.
Kenneth Makate’s journey from a trainee accountant at Vodacom to the inventor of one of the most widely-used mobile services in South Africa is nothing short of remarkable. Despite facing years of legal battles and corporate resistance, he continues to fight for what he believes is rightfully his. His perseverance and innovation have made him an inspiration to many, proving that great ideas can change industries—and that justice, though delayed, is worth pursuing.
Read more: Vodacom| Pat on Brands
