10/02/2026
We've all used "Please Call Me" multiple times, but how well do we know of Kenneth Makate's "David vs. Goliath" story?
While working at Vodacom in 2000, Makate pitched the idea to Vodacom's Director of Product Development. Over 18 years later, that simple idea made so much money for Vodacom that Makate's 5-15% stake was estimated to be between E10 billion to E60 billion . His legal battle was settled out-of-court for over E600 million 💰
Another relatable IP battle involved Apple suing Samsung for over $1 billion for "copying" its iPhone design 📲
> The power of IP is more than just legal jargon reserved for lawyers in courtrooms, its for innovators like us 💡
So as you start, build and grow your innovation (whether in a classroom setting, in your workplace, or your business), one of the most important skills is in understanding and securely managing your Intellectual Property (IP).
Through our partnership with the Eswatini IP Office (EIPO), we've enrolled a dozen of our members into the DL101 General Course on Intellectual Property from World Intellectual Property Organization
1. Ownership of Ideas: Enrolled Innovators will learn how to navigate the essentials of Copyright ©️ , Trademarks ®️ , and Patents ⚒️📜 , ensuring their unique innovations are legally protected from the start 🌱🛡️
2. Market Strategy: Understanding Geographical Indications and Industrial Design will allows innovators to differentiate their offerings in a crowded global marketplace 🌍✨
3. Ethical Innovation: The modules on Unfair Competition and Traditional Knowledge provide the framework to build a business that is both legally sound and culturally respectful.
4. Global Scaling: With training on International Registration, innovators will gain the knowledge needed to expand their vision beyond local borders 🌐
This short online course contains hours of learning that could protect years of future work 🎓💡
https://www.unsdglearn.org/courses/dl101-general-course-on-intellectual-property/
[Registration closes Feb. 14, 2026]
