The long-running “Please Call Me” legal saga between Nkosana Makate and Vodacom has taken another dramatic turn — this time over legal costs. Makate has been ordered to pay nearly R13 million in legal fees incurred during a single day of arguments in the Constitutional Court, despite the case not having been brought by him.
Makate, who invented the Please Call Me (PCM) service back in November 2000, expressed his disbelief at the ruling, describing the cost order as “perplexing and contradictory.” He questioned how the apex court could uphold Vodacom’s appeal, refer the matter back to the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) for a fresh hearing, yet still penalize him with costs.
“I do not agree with the awarding of costs in favour of Vodacom,” Makate said.
“During the same Constitutional Court process, I had to defend two Amicus Curiae applications — one from Vodafone and another from Yebo Yethu, both shareholders of Vodacom. The Constitutional Court dismissed both, but did not award me costs.”
Makate went on to criticize what he sees as an unfair burden placed on ordinary South Africans seeking justice against large corporations.
“This sends a chilling message to a small man in litigation against giants like Vodacom,” he added.
Despite the setback, Makate remains hopeful that the upcoming SCA hearing on 18 November will bring “finality once and for all” to a legal battle that has spanned nearly 25 years.
Earlier this year, the Constitutional Court ruled that the SCA had made legal errors and exceeded its jurisdiction, ordering that a new panel of judges hear the case afresh. The ongoing dispute centers on the compensation Makate is owed for his invention — a service that has generated billions of rand in revenue for Vodacom since its creation.
Makate, who has been waiting for justice since 2000, says he still believes in the South African judiciary and will continue to fight until a fair resolution is reached.
