How much did Nkosana Makate get from Vodacom has been a burning public interest question for years. After a long legal standoff, the final compensation offered amounted to R47 million, including inflation adjustments and allowances.
This figure came from Vodacom’s CEO, following a Constitutional Court directive. It fell far below Makate’s expectations of billions.
The Origin of the Claim: “Please Call Me”
Makate created the “Please Call Me” service in 2000 while working at Vodacom. The idea was simple—users without airtime could request a call back. It became wildly popular and generated massive revenue for the company. However, Makate never received compensation, leading to one of South Africa’s most talked-about legal battles.
Legal Journey: From High Court to Constitutional Appeal
Initially, Makate’s case was dismissed by the courts. But the Constitutional Court later ruled in his favor, ordering Vodacom to enter into good faith negotiations or have its CEO determine fair compensation. When talks stalled, the CEO stepped in.
The Compensation Determination: CEO Rules R47 Million
Vodacom’s CEO evaluated four financial models to determine an amount:
- A forward-looking projection of R51.5m
- An employee comparison model of R21.8m
- A usage-based calculation of R38.1m
- A retrospective revenue-share estimate of R42.2m
By averaging two models, the CEO arrived at R47 million.
Why Makate Rejected the Offer
Makate found the offer grossly inadequate. He argued that he deserved a share of the revenue generated by the service over nearly 20 years. His proposed range? Anywhere from R9.4 billion to R126 billion, depending on which model was used. He believed the five-year revenue window used by Vodacom was unfairly narrow.
The SCA Ruling Changes the Outcome
In 2024, the Supreme Court of Appeal overturned the CEO’s decision. The ruling stated that Makate was entitled to 5–7.5% of the revenue generated by “Please Call Me” over 18 years. This meant the payout could skyrocket to tens of billions of rands, dramatically shifting the narrative in Makate’s favor.
Vodacom Pushes Back on the Ruling
Vodacom challenged the decision. The company claimed the original R47 million was generous and fair. It also argued that Makate had no agreed revenue share percentage and that the Constitutional Court didn’t require the CEO to apply Makate’s models. They warned that awarding billions could set a dangerous precedent.
Where Things Stand Today
So far, how much did Nkosana Makate get from Vodacom remains unresolved. The only confirmed number is the R47 million initially determined. The SCA has ordered a recalculation, and the final figure now depends on future court rulings. If the revenue-share logic holds, the payout could reach R9 billion or more. But Vodacom’s appeal may stall or lower that amount.
Implications Beyond the Payout
This case has reshaped discussions around intellectual property in the corporate world. It highlights how undervalued internal innovation can be—and the long road inventors often travel for recognition. The battle also emphasized the role of the courts in enforcing fairness in compensation agreements, especially when innovation changes the game.
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Final Breakdown: How much did Nkosana Makate get from Vodacom
How much did Nkosana Makate get from Vodacom is still being contested. The initial award was R47 million, but new legal rulings suggest it could be billions. The matter is not closed, and the final decision will set a powerful precedent for employee rights, innovation ownership, and corporate accountability.
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