Malema Urges Vodacom To Settle ‘Please Call Me’ Dispute “Stop This Nonsense”

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has joined the growing chorus of South Africans calling on Vodacom to put an end to its protracted legal battle with ‘Please Call Me’ inventor Nkosana Makate.

Malema’s plea comes in response to Vodacom’s recent announcement that it intends to appeal the ruling of the Supreme Court of Appeal, which ruled against the mobile communications giant.

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In a scathing critique, Malema criticised Vodacom for choosing to appeal the court’s decision rather than complying with the order to reach a settlement. He emphasized that what began as a simple transactional dispute has now become a national frustration, and accused Vodacom of attempting to bully Makate.

Malema’s message to Vodacom is clear: it is high time for the telecommunications company to take full responsibility and put an end to the ongoing battle. Instead of pursuing an unnecessary appeal to the Constitutional Court, Malema urges Vodacom to demonstrate its good intentions by engaging in a mediation process.

It’s high time Vodacom stops its nonsense and takes full responsibility. What started as a simple transactional dispute between two parties has now become a national irritation because they think they can bully him. Appealing to the ConCourt to fight the SCA ruling in favor of…

— Julius Sello Malema (@Julius_S_Malema) February 7, 2024

It is important to call for mediation right now if Vodacom truly has good intentions. The track record of former Chief Justice Langa, former Chief Justice Mogoeng, and former DCJ Moseneke suggests that one can be an impartial mediator.

Vodafone must immediately remove their…

— Julius Sello Malema (@Julius_S_Malema) February 7, 2024

The manner in which you are treating an African brother with arrogance is unacceptable and will not be tolerated any longer. This issue will be resolved by the end of this year, don’t ask how, but it will be resolved this year.

Please note that if you have a solution to offer,…

— Julius Sello Malema (@Julius_S_Malema) February 7, 2024

 The recent ruling by the Supreme Court of Appeal requires Vodacom CEO Shameel Joosub to recalculate and determine the appropriate compensation owed to Makate for his invention, the ‘Please Call Me’. The court has mandated that Makate is entitled to receive 5% to 7.5% of the total revenue generated by the service product over an 18-year period.

Vodacom’s decision to appeal the ruling has sparked widespread frustration among South Africans, with many expressing their support for Makate on social media. The case has gained significant attention, highlighting the public’s desire for a fair resolution and an end to the long-standing dispute.

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As the pressure mounts on Vodacom, Malema’s call for a settlement and mediation process echoes the sentiments of many South Africans who are eager to see a swift resolution to this contentious issue. It remains to be seen whether Vodacom will heed these calls and opt for a more conciliatory approach in the coming days.

In the meantime, the nation watches closely, hoping for a just resolution that recognizes the contributions of inventors and upholds the principles of fairness and economic justice.