Attorney Michael de Broglio on: South Africa, Law, Politics, Attorneys, Sport, Photography, Technology, Gadgets, Media, Crime, Road Accidents Fund,
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The former CEO of Vodacom has claimed, in a book, and in Court, that he came up with the “Please call Me” mobile phone text concept in South Africa. He is currently a director of Murray and Roberts.
The Constitutional Court recently endorsed a decision that effectively found the former CEO lied when he made this claim and found in favour of Nkosana Makate. He has had to endure a 16 year battle to finally win and the conduct of Vodacom was described by the Court like this “In not compensating the applicant [Makate]… Vodacom associated itself with the dishonourable conduct of its former CEO, Mr Knott-Craig and his colleague, Mr Geissler. This leaves a sour taste in the mouth. It is not the kind of conduct to be expected from an ethical corporate entity.”
It’s a reminder again that for money, some people will tell lies, others will claim credit and fame for things they have had nothing to do with and companies will use their financial clout and lawyers to stop paying someone their dues. Vodacom have been humiliated, Alan Knott-Craig found to be a liar and one wonders whether Murray & Roberts really need a man, so described by the top Court in South Africa, on their board?
On the plus side Nokosana Makate fought the whole way and is soon to become, if not a billionaire, a multi-millionaire.
Posted by Michael de Broglio on Thursday 05-May-16
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Comments
Prishani said:
on Wednesday 22-Jun-16 09:09 AM
Victory for our courts once again!!! I am so glad that justice was served for this ordinary SA citizen! This may just show others that our courts are fair, although the process maybe lengthy in the end it may just be worth it!
Natasha said:
on Friday 13-May-16 08:34 AM
I am so glad he won
Juliet said:
on Tuesday 10-May-16 11:08 AM
Yes it does leave a bitter taste in one's mouth when people will use others and do anything to grab a bit of money. Karma always sorts things like this out though so no need to stress.
Daniella said:
on Monday 09-May-16 08:47 AM
I honestly am so glad that he won , many people would have given up and they would have gotten away with it , which in most cases they do.
Suzanne said:
on Friday 06-May-16 08:36 AM
I am so glad he has finally won this one! If you fight for 16 years, I believe it is a very well deserved victory.
Angelique Jurgens said:
on Thursday 05-May-16 01:36 PM
Absolutely shocking and disgusting that he had to endure a 16 year battle to finally get justice all due to someone taking credit for his invention. Shows you cannot trust big companies or anyone really. Could you imagine the legal fee's which no doubt at that time he could not afford but now definitely can, but hopefully doesn't have to pay lol. I am glad for his victor. This should be a lesson and Mr Alan Knott-Craig should be made an example of - Murray Roberts should also take appropriate action. (well I want to feel sympathy/empathy for him and not want him to lose more - but come on!) Hopefully his learnt his lesson. Power to the people! So does Vodacom or Knott-Craig pay for this??
Ashleigh said:
on Thursday 05-May-16 12:51 PM
I cannot stand people who take credit for something that they didnt do. I dont understand how you cannot feel guilty for doing such a thing. The Please Call Me Option is great for emergency cases but can be annoying at the same time too in some circumstances.
Charlotte Harding said:
on Thursday 05-May-16 11:30 AM
Telling lies has a way of biting you from behind. It can land you in very hot water sometimes. We recently experienced this with a family member, where things were stolen from other family members, and he denied stealing the goods. When he was arrested, he suddenly decided to come forth with the "truth" blaming other people for his actions, saying that they stole the goods (just more lies). The best part is, there were witnesses that saw him stealing the goods and selling it off to the pawn shops! Today, nobody wants to have anything to do with him, and he was told to move out of the said family member's home where he was "squatting". It doesn't pay to lie.
Kaylee said:
on Thursday 05-May-16 11:09 AM
Lies always catch up with you. words to live by
Johann said:
on Thursday 05-May-16 09:08 AM
I can just imagine Mr Makate's delight when the Concourt ruled in his favor!
Clare said:
on Thursday 05-May-16 08:46 AM
I love using Please Call me messages because i never have airtime. Well to the man that made it..
Bianca said:
on Thursday 05-May-16 08:18 AM
I heard about Makate's victory! Good for him, if I understand correctly he has been fighting this battle for a number of years! It appears that the wait was worth it!
david said:
on Thursday 05-May-16 07:19 AM
as much as i hate 'please call me's', good for Nokosana.
Johannesburg based attorney specializing in personal injury matters including Road Accident Fund claims and medical negligence matters. My interests include golf, reading and the internet and the way it is constantly developing. I have a passion for life and a desire for less stress!
