South African apex court, the Constitutional Court, has ordered leading mobile phone company, Vodacom, on Tuesday to compensate one of its former employees, Nkosana Makate. Makate, plaintiff for the lawsuit, has invented a popular free messaging system used by the company entitling 'Please Call Me'. The court pronounces verdict against the cell phone giant following legal battles enduring for 8 years.
The lawsuit filed by Makate accuses Vodacom for breaching a contract to pay him. The service under question has been launched by the mobile communications company in 2001. It allows prepaid phone users to send free text messages requesting to call back, reports BBC.
Tuesday's ruling by the Constitutional Court appears with the directives to initiate negotiations in search of a reasonable compensation to be paid to Makate. The largest mobile company in South Africa has been allocated 30 days to complete the process, according to a report published in Reuters Africa.
Makate has allegedly consulted Philip Geissler, the then director of product development and management for Vodacom, about the idea of developing the 'Please Call Me' service. Geissler has agreed orally to put the product on trial for commercial viability, suggests the court documents.
Moreover, innovator of the idea has been assured from the company's behalf paying a share in the revenue generated by his brain-child product. However, revenue sharing hasn't taken place eventually, observes the court judgment. Aggrieved Makate has sought court intervention in realizing his promised revenue share after his efforts for negotiating compensation gone in vein. The lawsuit seeking compensation has been filed after four years of launching the product in Vodacom. However, vindictive Makate has no hard feelings towards Vodacom. He cherishes deep love for his former employer where he worked since he was 18, an emotion choked Makate while expressing his feelings after winning the court verdict in his favor, reports Times LIVE. He didn't even consider suing his former employer initially, but circumstances have led him towards the court. However, he expressed his pleasure with the eventual verdict. His legal aides, friends and family members have hugged and shook hands immediately soon after the verdict gets pronounced. Makate has claimed earlier 15% of the proceeds generated from the 'Please Call Me' service. He wishes the ruling to help others fighting for similar causes. Vodacom has been studying the court ruling, informs Byron Kennedy, a spokesperson for Vodacom.
