Vodacom highlighted in its annual results that a Supreme Court of Appeal majority judgment would entitle Please Call Me idea-man Kenneth Nkosana Makate to R29 billion.Makate claimed compensation for coming up with the idea that led to Vodacom developing a service called “Please Call Me” while he was a trainee accountant at the mobile operator.
Makate appealed the High Court ruling, but the High Court and Supreme Court of Appeal turned down Makate’s application for leave to appeal. In the event of a deadlock, the matter was to be referred to Vodacom Group’s Chief Executive Officer for determination. On 8 February 2022, the High Court set aside the CEO’s determination and ordered him to reassess the amount.
On 27 February 2024, Vodacom applied for leave to appeal the SCA judgment to the Constitutional Court. Makate is opposing Vodacom’s application.The SCA ignored the evidence presented regarding the computation of the quantum of compensation payable to Mr Makate.To put Vodacom’s contingent liability related to the Makate matter in context, the SCA majority judgment would entitle him to a minimum compensation amount of R29 billion.