PHOTOGRAPHERS FROWN ON DRONE ‘BAN’

MBABANE – The Eswatini Civil Aviation Authority had recently issued a press statement, alerting the public to the illegal usage of drones in the country, particularly in the agricultural and photography sectors.

The statement emphasised the need to protect the privacy of the public, hold drone owners accountable and safeguard property from any potential damage caused by these unmanned aerial vehicles. Phetsile, a representative from the Eswatini Civil Aviation Authority, explained the gravity of the situation, shedding light on the concerns raised by companies, general public.

Registration

To address these issues, the authority had introduced a registration process for drone usage, accompanied by a corresponding fee ranging from E3 000 to E17 500, renewable annually for commercial users. Private users, on the other hand, were exempt from this requirement. As the news spread, a ripple of discontent coursed through the photography community. Several photographers voiced their concerns about the impact of these regulations on their work. Deelangza Photography lamented the potential hindrance to their progress, citing the exorbitant costs of licensing and registration as a severe obstacle. They emphasised the vital role of drones in capturing specific angles, especially in music videos and the competitive edge they provided when applying for international gigs.

Restriction

Kasi Gallery echoed these sentiments, underscoring the significance of drones in elevating the quality of their artistic endeavours. The restriction posed a significant challenge to their creative expression and threatened their ability to compete on an international scale. In related international news, the use of drones has also been said to annoy the public, which was also disliked by photographers in those countries. A renowned documentary filmmaker from Europe, intrigued by the unfolding narrative, decided to explore the intersection of art, technology and regulation in the country.

Expression

Their documentary, ‘Skybound Revolution’, delved into the lives of the photographers and artists affected by the drone regulations, shedding light on the broader implications for creative expression and economic opportunity in any country. The film sparked a global conversation, drawing attention to the delicate balance between innovation and regulation, privacy and creativity. It ignited a movement advocating for a more nuanced approach to drone usage, one that considered the needs of artists and entrepreneurs, while upholding the principles of safety and accountability.

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