In a significant development in the long-running legal dispute between Nkosana Makate and Vodacom, the Constitutional Court has referred the “Please Call Me” case back to the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) for reconsideration. The decision marks another delay in a legal battle that has stretched over nearly two decades.
Delivering his final judgment before retirement, Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga stated that the Constitutional Court was unanimous in its ruling but expressed dissatisfaction with certain aspects of the SCA’s previous decision. The case, which centers on Makate’s claim that he invented Vodacom’s “Please Call Me” service without receiving fair compensation, has seen multiple court hearings and appeals since 2008.
Disappointment and Resilience
Speaking after the ruling, Makate and his supporters voiced their disappointment but vowed to continue the fight.
“We expected a different decision, but we have to abide by the court’s ruling,” Makate said. “The SCA must now apply itself properly and outline the reasons for its decision. The Constitutional Court could have finalized this matter, but instead, we must return to the SCA.”
Makate also addressed concerns over the handling of Vodacom’s CEO-determined compensation offer, which he argues was inequitable. “The High Court dealt with this properly, but the SCA did not thoroughly examine why the CEO’s decision was unfair,” he said.
A 25-Year Struggle
Supporters of the “Please Call Me” movement expressed frustration over the prolonged legal process. “This is now 25 years of struggle,” one supporter said. “The Constitutional Court has essentially acted as an appeals court, and now we must return to the SCA, which previously took two years just to set a hearing date.”
Despite the setback, Makate remains determined. “We are disappointed, but we are resilient. We will go back to the SCA, and they must provide a judgment that stands the test of fairness.”
What’s Next?
The case will now return to the Supreme Court of Appeal in Bloemfontein, where judges will reassess the compensation dispute. Legal experts suggest that further delays could push the matter into yet another appeal, prolonging a case that has already become one of South Africa’s most protracted corporate legal battles.
For now, Makate and his supporters are regrouping, emphasizing that their fight for fair compensation is far from over.
“We are the ‘Please Call Me’ movement,” a supporter declared. “Our support for Nkosana Makate is more crucial now than ever.”
As the legal saga continues, the question remains: How much longer will it take before justice is finally served?
