Why did Nkosana Makate turn down Vodacom’s R47-million offer?
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In this episode, Carol sits down with the inventor of Vodacom's 'Please Call Me' service. Kenneth Nkosana Makate developed the 'Please Call Me' concept while he was working as a trainee accountant at Vodacom in 2000.
But that was only the start of a long battle between Makate and Vodacom over compensation for the idea.
The Constitutional Court eventually ruled in Makate's favour in 2016 and ordered Vodacom to negotiate "reasonable compensation" with him.
Vodacom offered Makate R47-million, but he turned down the offer, contesting that he is owed approximately R9-billion.
The Pretoria High Court agreed that the amount offered was not fair and sent the matter back to Vodacom.
Makate then trended on social media, with many accusing him of greed and ingratitude, suggesting that he should simply accept the R47-million from Vodacom.
In conversation with Carol Ofori, Makate reveals not only why he turned down Vodacom's offer but also discusses the lengthy legal battle, his sources of motivation, and his plans once the matter has been concluded.
Makate also discusses the inspiration behind the 'Please Call Me' concept.
If you were one of the people on social media who accused Makate of greed, listening to this podcast might change your perspective.
(Intro news clips courtesy of SABC News and Newzroom Afrika)
But that was only the start of a long battle between Makate and Vodacom over compensation for the idea.
The Constitutional Court eventually ruled in Makate's favour in 2016 and ordered Vodacom to negotiate "reasonable compensation" with him.
Vodacom offered Makate R47-million, but he turned down the offer, contesting that he is owed approximately R9-billion.
The Pretoria High Court agreed that the amount offered was not fair and sent the matter back to Vodacom.
Makate then trended on social media, with many accusing him of greed and ingratitude, suggesting that he should simply accept the R47-million from Vodacom.
In conversation with Carol Ofori, Makate reveals not only why he turned down Vodacom's offer but also discusses the lengthy legal battle, his sources of motivation, and his plans once the matter has been concluded.
Makate also discusses the inspiration behind the 'Please Call Me' concept.
If you were one of the people on social media who accused Makate of greed, listening to this podcast might change your perspective.
(Intro news clips courtesy of SABC News and Newzroom Afrika)
