A small group of protesters descended on Vodacom’s head office on Thursday to demand Vodacom that pays Nkosana Makate, the “inventor” of the “please call me service”, R70-billion.

There were no reports of violence as the group — which numbered about 100, according to TechCentral’s estimates — toyi-toyed peacefully outside the main entrance to Vodacom, waving placards bearing messages such as “Vodacom owes Makate R70-billion” and “Vodacom lying to JSE & investors”.

A heavily armed police contingent blocked access to the main entrance at Vodacom’s Midrand campus, and also guarded the other gates around the sprawling facility. Despite the police presence, some protesters openly smoked marijuana.

The protesters had hoped someone from Vodacom’s management team would meet with them, but no one from the company had done so by midday.

Vodacom’s campus was largely deserted, and its main office building was eerily quiet, as most company workers stayed at home.

A company spokesman said technology allowed much of its head office team to work remotely. Vodacom retail stores remained open, except those at Vodacom World, which is located on its Midrand campus.