- Vodacom has settled the ‘Please Call Me’ dispute and withdrawn all appeals, ending one of South Africa’s most high-profile legal battles.
- The agreement is reflected in Vodacom’s interim results for the period ending 30 September 2025, offering fresh insight for investors and the public.
- The settlement terms remain confidential despite significant public interest and speculation about the final compensation.
Vodacom has confirmed that it has reached an out-of-court settlement with ‘Please Call Me’ inventor Nkosana Makate. The matter was due to return to the Supreme Court of Appeal on 18 November 2025 in what was expected to be the final round.
This decision ends one of South Africa’s most significant disputes over intellectual property and corporate accountability. The company announced this development in a formal statement to shareholders dated 5 November 2025, marking the end of litigation that has lasted over a decade.
In its communication, Vodacom reminded shareholders that the issue has been the subject of several previous updates. It stated, “Shareholders are hereby advised that on 4 November 2025, the Vodacom Board approved a settlement agreement, and the matter was settled by the parties out of court. The parties are glad that finality has been reached in this regard.”
This settlement follows years of legal discussions regarding compensation owed to Makate for the popular ‘Please Call Me’ service. This service allows prepaid users to request a return call at no cost, an innovation that millions use every day.
Financial and legal implications
The company confirmed that the financial impact of the settlement will appear in its upcoming reporting cycle. It noted, “The settlement has been accounted for in the Group’s interim results for the period ended 30 September 2025.”
As part of the settlement process, Vodacom stated, “A notice was sent to the Supreme Court of Appeal withdrawing Vodacom’s appeal. Additionally, a notice was sent to the High Court to abandon the 8 February 2022 judgment.” That judgment, which Makate had previously criticised, significantly impacted how to calculate his compensation. Abandoning it effectively ends the reliance on its reasoning, preventing further prolonged litigation.
Human impact and legacy
Makate confirmed the development in a brief social media statement. He told the public, “In response to media queries, indeed, the ‘Please Call Me’ matter has been settled and is subject to confidentiality.” His careful wording reflects the legal restrictions now affecting both parties, even as public curiosity grows.
For over two decades, this dispute has drawn attention to how large companies handle internal innovation and the rights of employees who create commercially successful ideas. It has sparked a national conversation about fairness, intellectual contributions, and corporate ethics. For many South Africans, it became a symbolic case about recognition, not just payment.
While the exact amount remains confidential, this settlement concludes one of the most emotionally charged corporate disputes in democratic South Africa.
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