ESWACOS ROLLS OUT DATA COLLECTION PROCESS

MBABANE –As of yesterday, April 1, 2025, the Eswatini Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Society (ESWACOS) began the process of collecting music usage data and finalising licensing agreements with broadcasters.

This information was provided by ESWACOS Executive Director Mmeli Hlanze during an interview. The collection of royalties was scheduled to begin on April 1, 2025. “The first step of collection entails data collection of the music that is being played. We will be collecting music usage reports from broadcasters, which will be used to compute the money they have to pay and the royalties that will be paid out at a later stage,” he said.

ESWACOS serves as an umbrella Collective Management Organisation (CMO) in Eswatini, dedicated to safeguarding and advancing the economic interests of copyright holders across various creative industries. It operates under the mandate granted through the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act, Act No. 4 of 2018, which establishes ESWACOS as the sole organisation responsible for the administration of copyright and neighbouring rights in Eswatini.

Hlanze further stated that as it is the music usage data that informs the distribution payouts, entailing that is the first step.

“Data collection will not be a physical exercise. Broadcasters will be submitting reports to us weekly,” he said.

The mission of ESWACOS is to generate substantial economic value for rights holders, both domestically and internationally, through comprehensive registration and licensing of their works. The organisation is responsible for the collection and distribution of royalties, ensuring that creators receive fair compensation for the use of their works.

distribution

He added that the distribution of royalties is expected to occur during the current financial year. “As highlighted in the report, the distribution of these royalties is due to happen before the end of the financial year 2025/26, as music usage reports still need to be validated and music usage data analysed to determine the rightful recipients of the royalties. This is a huge milestone for the music industry and the protection of copyright in Eswatini,” he noted.

As ESWACOS moves forward with the data collection and handing in royalties, it aims to enhance support for artists in Eswatini by ensuring proper compensation for their creative output.

The implementation of music licensing is a significant step towards establishing a more robust framework for copyright protection in the country.

Broadcasters will play a vital role in this process by providing accurate reports of music usage on their platforms. This data will be essential in validating claims and determining the rightful recipients of royalties, ultimately providing artists with the financial recognition they deserve.

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