After 17 years of going back and forth in court, Vodacom and Nkosana Makate, the man behind the popular “Please Call Me” idea, have finally reached an out-of-court settlement.
How It All Started
In 2001, while working at Vodacom, Nkosana Makate came up with the “Please Call Me” idea, a free message that lets someone ask another person to call them back. The service became a huge success, helping millions of South Africans stay connected.
However, Makate said Vodacom never paid him for his idea, even though it brought the company massive value over the years.
“As part of the settlement process, a notice was sent to the Supreme Court of Appeal withdrawing Vodacom’s appeal,” the company said. “Additionally, a notice was sent to the High Court to abandon the 8 February 2022 judgment.”
What the Settlement Means
The two parties have now agreed to end the fight and move forward. The exact amount Vodacom will pay Makate hasn’t been made public, but reports suggest it could be hundreds of millions of rand. Vodacom confirmed that the settlement was approved by its board on 4 November 2025 and that it has already been included in the company’s financial results.
Contesting to victory
After years of legal battles, both Vodacom and Nkosana Makate can finally close this chapter. The “Please Call Me” story is a victory for creativity, perseverance, and fairness, showing that standing up for what’s right can lead to lasting change.
