Open Letter: The PleaseCallMe Movement—Makate vs. Vodacom Debate

THIS IS UNJUST.

The #PleaseCallMe case exemplifies how financial dominance can hinder, manipulate, sidestep, and weaken the nation’s legal system.

It is widely recognized that this issue has been extensively reviewed, with Nkosana Makate consistently emerging victorious, boasting nine favorable judgments; yet, the doctrine of RES JUDICATA seems to be disregarded.

We remain passive as time goes by, feeling as though reaching a resolution is a daunting challenge. My worry in all this is the social contract.

How can we be inspired to uphold the law when we observe its exploitation so blatantly over an extended time?

(Makate has been entangled in legal disputes since a child was in grade one; that child is now embarking on their first year of university.)

We feel taken advantage of; we are offended and increasingly irritated by the drawn-out process. Our only crime is adhering to the law.

From the beginning, we have explicitly stated that our opponent is Vodacom and its haughty CEO. We have tirelessly worked and maintained peaceful demonstrations.

We voiced our discontent outside their offices, at the JSE, and the ConCourt, yet not a single instance of property damage has occurred. Many expected us to behave like vandals.

They were eager to dismiss and undermine our movement from the outset. In hindsight, perhaps we should have resorted to violence, vandalized property, set tires on fire, obstructed roads, or looted stores, etc.

That’s the language the corporate elite comprehends. It appears we are anticipated to stoop to such depths.

But what would that garner for Makate? He is the one pursuing legal action.

The focus should remain on him and the strides he has made in this case independently.

We are not simply a rented crowd.

We are the #PleaseCallMe movement, established to shed light on the struggles and injustices faced by Makate and those like him.

He did not seek our support; therefore, we cannot and will not compromise his case for the sake of gaining popularity.

While Makate remains constrained within the legal framework, one must ask, “Where are the leaders in our society?” Be they political or otherwise.

Why is this individual being overlooked? What are we afraid of? Losing a deal or a job opportunity? Who will be next?

NB: To provide context, my child had not yet been conceived when PCM was launched; now she’s a doctor. That highlights how long this issue has endured.

LM Setoaba

Convener

#PleaseCallMe Movement

*This letter was initially published in our sister publication techfinancials.co.za