Black Rock Mining Files Papers Against Please-Call Me Founder Nkosana Makate
- Black Rock Mining, a Caribbean company that has laid claim to a significant portion of Please-Call-Me founder Nkosana Makate, has filed papers
- The company's claim came after Vodacom announced that it had reached a settlement agreement with Makate
- The telecommunications giant and its former employee were locked in a legal battle for two decades
- Vodacom spoke to Briefly News about the impending court case
PAY ATTENTION: You can now search for all your favourite news and topics on Briefly News.
Tebogo Mokwena, a Briefly News journalist with 10 years of experience, offered valuable insights into South Africa’s business environment during his three years at Vutivi Business News.
Source: Getty Images
JOHANNESBURG — Black Rock Mining has allegedly filed with the Johannesburg High Court to legally prohibit Vodacom from paying Please-Call-Me founder Nkosana Makate until their lawsuit is finalised. Their decision came after Vodacom said it had reached a settlement with Makate for his Please-Call-Me invention.
According to Sunday World, Black Rock Mining filed papers on 11 November 2025, to pay 40% of the funds into Makate's lawyers' accounts. The company's former director, Errol Elsdon, said in court papers that the late high court advocate Christian Schoeman introduced him to Makate in 2011. He said that Makate needed financial assistance for his litigation against Vodacom.
Makate allegedly signs a contract
Eldson also said that Schoeman acted on behalf of a company that had not been formed on 7 November 2011. He and Makate signed a written agreement for the company to provide him with funds for his legal battle. He said the company is entitled to R650 million. He also said that Makate or his lawyers are not entitled to settle without the company's written consent.
PAY ATTENTION: stay informed and follow us on Google News!
He further added that the agreement stated that whatever amount was received from the case with Vodscom would be transferred to Stemela & Lubbe's trust account. Stimela & Lubbe would then divide the money and transfer 60% to Makate and 40% to the company.
Source: Getty Images
Vodacom speaks to Briefly News
Briefly News spoke to Leigh-Ann Chetty, Vodacom's Principal Specialist: Corporate Communication.
"We cannot comment on this matter but can confirm that we have not been interdicted on the matter," she said.
South Africans react
Netiens commenting on X shared their feelings about the company's court case.
Nkowanda Ayanda asked:
"They are being disingenuous. Did he refuse to pay? Also, did he ask for the help?"
Wonderful said:
"More money, more problems. To claim a whopping 40% of an amount you're not even aware of is ridiculous. so if he got R1 billkion, the wsnt R400 million of it for spending R4.5 milioin?"
Boi2DaWorld said:
"The cancellation of this agreement has been in dispute since 2015, while the other funders were funding this dispute and the PCM dispute. That is where their plea that they were forced out will be tricky."
Modise said:
"SARS takes 40% and now Black Rock 40%. At this rate, Makate will be left with R350."
John Shenengu said:
"It's a cob web. Very complex. In other words, Black Rock was loan-sharking, hence the prerogative to bounty hunt."
Sizwe Dhlomo reacts to court siding with Vodacom
In a related article, Briefly News reported that radio personality Sizwe Dhlomo reacted to the Constitutional Court's ruling in favour of Vodacom. Vodacom appeared before the court on 31 July 2025 and appealed the Supreme Court of Appeal's ruling.
Dhlomo said that they did Makate dirty, and South Africans discussed the reaction.
PAY ATTENTION: Follow Briefly News on Twitter and never miss the hottest topics! Find us at @brieflyza!
Source: Briefly News
