BOMBSHELL: Vodacom Takes Fight Against Please Call Me Inventor to Constitutional Court in a Last-Ditch Effort to Save Face
In a move that has left many stunned, Vodacom has announced that it will take its bitter dispute with Nkosana Makate, the creator of the iconic Please Call Me service, to the Constitutional Court (ConCourt). This comes after the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) ruled in favor of Makate, ordering Vodacom to pay him a substantial sum for the unauthorized use of his invention.
The Ugly Truth: Vodacom’s Desperate Attempt to Avoid Compensation
The telecoms giant, which has been embroiled in a 16-year legal battle with Makate, is attempting to appeal the SCA’s ruling, claiming that the judgement and order are "fundamentally flawed". Vodacom is apparently desperate to avoid paying Makate the compensation he is entitled to for his invention, which has generated massive revenue for the company.
Makate’s Entitlement
As previously reported, Makate is entitled to 27% of the revenue generated by the Please Call Me messages, amounting to a staggering sum. Add to this the interest and royalties accrued over the years, and the final figure is likely to be astronomical. It’s no wonder Vodacom is fighting tooth and nail to avoid paying up.
A Travesty of Justice?
Is Vodacom’s move an attempt to subvert the judicial process and deny Makate the fair compensation he deserves? Many believe so, and the ConCourt must now decide whether to uphold the SCA’s ruling or allow Vodacom to continue its dubious appeals.
The Stakes: Implications for Vodacom and South Africa
The outcome of this appeal has far-reaching implications for Vodacom, its employees, and shareholders, as well as the South African public. If Vodacom fails to pay up, it will undermine the rule of law and the confidence in the judicial system. On the other hand, if the ConCourt upholds the SCA’s ruling, Vodacom will be forced to shell out a massive sum, setting a precedent for fair compensation.
The People Demand Justice
As the battle between Vodacom and Makate enters its final phase, one thing is clear: the people demand justice. Will the ConCourt hear the pleas of the Please Call Me inventor and ensure that he receives the compensation he so rightfully deserves? Only time will tell.
