CAB Update

On 16th March 2024, an engagement between Fikile Mbalula (ANC secretary-general), Zizi Kodwa (Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture), Thandi Moraka (ANC national executive committee sub-committee chairperson on sport, arts and culture), and several creative industry groups took place with goal of addressing key concerns with the Copyright Amendment Bill.

Following the engagement, ANC representatives stated that they would meet with President Cyril Ramaphosa on April 1st, 2024, to discuss the Bill and advise against signing it into law. This meeting unfortunately has yet to take place.

The Bill’s provisions, such as giving the Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition power over publishing contract terms, a 25-year limitation on rights assignment, and the inclusion of the ‘fair use’ clause, have been points of contention that require revision of the Bill. Despite these developments, there is still work to be done to address the concerns raised by various stakeholders in the creative industry.

Further discussions regarding both the Performance Protection and Copyright Amendment Bill are likely to start taking place since the finalisation of the South African election.