The Constitutional Court has directed the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) to reconsider the long-running legal battle between Nkosana Makate and Vodacom, stating that the SCA failed to properly evaluate key issues in the case.
In his final ruling, Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga found that the SCA did not adequately assess critical aspects of the dispute before making its decision. The case, which centers on a compensation claim by Makate for his “Please Call Me” idea, has been sent back for a more thorough review.
This latest development prolongs a legal fight that has lasted over a decade. Makate, a former Vodacom employee, argues that the company owes him fair compensation for the popular messaging service he conceived. Vodacom has previously disputed the amount he claims.
The Constitutional Court’s decision means the SCA must now re-examine the case with closer attention to legal and factual details. The outcome could have significant implications for intellectual property rights and employee compensation in South Africa.
Both parties are expected to present further arguments as the case returns to the appeals court.