The mystery funder behind Nkosana Makate’s early legal fight: two decades of litigation funding, bitter court battles and the scandal-hit Living Hands trust.
Errol Elsdon, who claims he is entitled to 40% of Nkosana Makate’s ‘winnings’, vanished from the Please Call Me story for years, then reappeared as the face of a company few can verify exists.
Vodacom says the data behind Please Call Me’s success never existed, though its own documents show revenue tracking was discussed and dropped.
Cell C's R12.6bn Turnaround | ITWeb Tech Headlines | 17-22 August 2026
These are the stories making headlines on ITWeb this week. Cell C added 1.3 million subscribers and cut net debt by 64% in its first full year as a JSE-listed company, with group revenue climbing to R12.64 billion. Meanwhile, Standard Bank is shifting from just using AI tools to becoming a fully AI-enabled organisation, with more than 39 000 staff, 72% of its workforce, now active generative AI users.
Raining Men has been in business rescue since 2019, but the man who stepped into the shoes of its directors has a troubled history.
Court papers show how Nkosana Makate’s early funders turned against each other, trading conspiracy claims and alleging a hidden romance over who gets a cut.
The free callback service that became a popular feature – and the subject of an almost two-decade legal battle.
Before a debarred advocate rewrote his legal strategy in 2011, Nkosana Makate was broke, lawyer-less and fighting a case deemed beyond saving.
From a disbarred advocate, to offshore funds and Cyprus shell companies, ITWeb unpacks the people behind the Please Call Me litigation.
A deep dive into the funding saga behind the Please Call Me settlement – starting with Nkosana Makate’s claim that Black Rock Mining was a facade for businessman Errol Elsdon.
Errol Elsdon, the man behind Black Rock Mining, allegedly diverted litigation funds to a Cyprus bank account and Cyprus-based company.
The company that agreed to fund his ‘Please Call Me’ legal battle never existed, leaving him to fund the litigation against Vodacom, says Nkosana Makate.
‘Please Call Me’ inventor Nkosana Makate says Errol Elsdon’s defamation threat is baseless, as the decades-long legal battle takes another twist.
SITA seeks ‘visionary’ executive head amid mounting woes
In this week's tech news roundup, The State Information Technology Agency is searching for its next MD to fill the revolving chief executive seat, for a five-year fixed-term employment contract. The new MD will inherit a Special Investigating Unit probe initiated by president Cyril Ramaphosa, and scrutiny by the Public Service Commission and Public Protector of governance issues at the government IT agency. Stay informed and engaged with our comprehensive coverage of these stories and more on our website, www.itweb.co.za and social media platforms. Discover the latest advancements shaping the future of technology by ITWeb. #newsvideo #SITA #Vodacom