'Please-Call-Me' inventor in line for huge Vodacom pay-out

Nkosana Makate
Nkosana Makate

A South African inventor has won a court battle against Vodacom that entitles him to significantly more than the $3m (P35m) compensation offered to him by the telecommunications giant.

Nkosana Makate, who invented Vodacom’s “Please Call Me” texting service, described the judgement as “a big relief”.

“The court ruling in my favour is a vindication. It’s been a long time coming. I know they might appeal but this judgement for me is a huge relief and encouragement,” he told the BBC.

Editor's Comment
Our digital safety is in our hands

That sounds like good news. But the report also warns that this may simply be because our digital economy is still young, not because we are safe. As more people shop, bank and pay online, criminals will follow.We Batswana do not need a report to tell us that danger is real. Many of us have heard of or fallen victim to KYC scams. A caller impersonates your bank or mobile money provider. They say they need to “verify” your account. They ask...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up