The High Court in Johannesburg has dismissed an urgent application by Black Rock Mining to temporarily freeze a portion of the settlement paid by Vodacom to “Please Call Me” inventor Nkosana Makate.
Black Rock, represented by businessman Errol Elsdon, sought to block access to 40% of Makate’s payout, claiming entitlement to the funds under a disputed 2011 funding agreement. The value of the settlement remains confidential under a non-disclosure agreement.
Judge proceedings found that Black Rock failed to demonstrate any intention by Makate to hide or dissipate the funds, and therefore did not meet the requirements for a freezing order.
Black Rock’s attorney, Sinenhlanhla Mnguni, said in a statement that the company is considering its next steps.
“It looks like we’ll have to decide whether to proceed with arbitration or pursue other avenues to enforce our client’s rights,” Mnguni said.
“It’s still early, and we’re not under pressure to make a rushed decision, but we expect to have a way forward in the coming days.”