Copyright Amendment Bill Update

March 2024

The National Assembly met as scheduled on the 29th February and unfortunately voted in favour of passing the copyright amendment bills. ANC made use of their majority to pass the bill with IFP changing its tune from the previous year to voting in favour of the Bill, while EFF,DA, FF+ and ACDP voted against. The Bill will now go to the President’s desk for signature, and since he referred the Bill back to the National Assembly in June 2020 for reservations about their constitutionality, he will now have to consider whether his reservations have been accommodated.

The South African creative industry rallied against the passing of the Bill through open letters addressed directly to the president from Chola Makgamathe (Chairperson of Copyright Coalition Of SA) and Yvonne Chaka Chaka, interviews from legends like author Zakes Mda, and a large social media campaign which included a petition that gather over 4000 signatures. Musician unions CCIFSA and TUMSA have been very vocal on their stance against the Bill, along with international stakeholders like CISAC (International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers).

We must not however give up hope just yet. Although a major setback, there still exists the possibility of turning everything around and finally getting the president to hear the voices of the people that this Bill will affect. So while we wait, make sure that you are subscribed to our newsletter to ensure that you are informed of updates regarding the Bill.