COPYRIGHT PROTECTION ACT SET TO EMPOWER CREATORS - ESWACOS

MBABANE - The Eswatini Intellectual Property Office convened with key stakeholders to draft regulations for the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Acts, marking a significant step towards strengthening the creative sector in the country.  

Melusi Masuku, Acting Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce, stated that the government aims to address gaps in existing copyright legislation, streamlining operations to benefit all involved. “We aspire to develop a leading copyright system on the continent. Achieving this ambitious objective requires decisions grounded in solid evidence. “We are currently assessing copyright’s contribution to gross domestic product (GDP), employment rates and national exports. Preliminary findings suggest that this sector could represent our nation’s greatest comparative advantage.

“The forthcoming regulations aim to fortify our creative economy and facilitate the export of our intangible assets globally,” he remarked. Mmeli Hlanze, Executive Director of the Eswatini Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Society (ESWACOS), emphasised that copyright protection is not simply a legal technicality; it is fundamental to a flourishing creative economy. “Copyright empowers creators by granting them control over their works and ensuring they receive equitable remuneration. “In Eswatini, where creativity thrives across diverse fields, the importance of copyright cannot be overstated,” he asserted.

Safeguarding

Hlanze further noted that safeguarding copyright and neighbouring rights cultivates an environment conducive to innovation and creativity. “As we draft these regulations, let us remain focused on our ultimate aim: to empower creators and uphold their rights. “This, in turn, stimulates economic growth by generating employment, attracting investment and enriching our cultural identity,” he added. Dr. Celucolo Dludlu, Registrar of the Intellectual Property Office, highlighted the importance of consulting with creators during the drafting of the copyright

Essential

“It is essential to strike a balance between the interests of creators and users. Creators must be able to earn a living from the utilisation of their works. “The proposed draft copyright tariffs seek to find a compromise that benefits everyone involved. “Our discussions today will centre on achieving an equitable balance,” he explained. Dludlu also referenced the challenges faced by local musicians, pointing out that the new legislation will provide artists with clarity on potential earnings when their music is played on radio stations for specified durations.

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