Legal Battle Over Millions: Nkosana Makate's Courtroom Drama
The story of Nkosana Makate, the brains behind the 'Please Call Me' idea, takes a dramatic turn as he returns to court on December 4, 2025, to protect his hard-earned settlement from Vodacom. But this time, the battle is not against the corporate giant; it's against a former ally, Errol Elsdon, who is pulling out all the stops to claim a substantial chunk of Makate's winnings.
A Disputed Agreement: Elsdon, through his company Black Rock Mining, is seeking to enforce a 2011 litigation funding agreement with Makate, which has become a bone of contention. Black Rock claims that Makate or his attorneys might distribute the settlement funds to third parties, and thus, they've moved to prevent the full transfer of the settlement.
The Interdict: In a strategic move, Black Rock has applied for an interdict to force Makate's attorneys to hold 40% of the settlement in trust. This is a significant portion of the undisclosed amount, estimated to be between R353 million and R748 million, which Makate negotiated with Vodacom. But here's where it gets controversial—Black Rock's claim, before tax, could amount to a staggering R141.2 million to R299.2 million!
A History of Conflict: Elsdon alleges that he and his company provided R4.39 million in funding for Makate's case against Vodacom. However, Makate's affidavit reveals a different story. He claims that Elsdon's accusations are hearsay and that he had instructed Hahn & Hahn attorneys to cancel the original funding agreement, not Schoeman, as Elsdon suggests.
The Cancellation Twist: Makate argues that the funding agreement with Black Rock was legally canceled, and this is a key point of contention. He states that the agreement was canceled with Schoeman and Raining Men Trade, and by the time Black Rock resurfaced, the agreement was no longer valid. But Elsdon isn't backing down, claiming that Makate and Schoeman had conspired to sideline him and the original funders.
Financial Implications: Makate explains that keeping 40% of the settlement in trust would result in significant financial losses. He argues that he would miss out on potential investment opportunities and that a portion of the interest earned would go to the Legal Practice Council (LPC) or the Fidelity Fund. Makate also highlights the liabilities he owes to those who assisted in the litigation, as Black Rock's monetary contributions are no longer available.
Accusations Fly: Makate doesn't hold back, accusing Elsdon and Schoeman of perjury and using shell companies to defraud him. He challenges Elsdon to provide evidence of any financial assistance since 2014, a claim that Elsdon has made. This legal showdown raises questions about the nature of these business relationships and the complexities of litigation funding.
What do you think about this legal battle? Is Makate justified in his stance, or is there more to the story? Share your thoughts in the comments, but remember to keep the discussion respectful and insightful!
