Cape Town - Creatives and other interested citizens of the Western Cape will have the chance to be heard on the issue of the Copyright Amendment Bill.
The provincial legislature’s Standing Committee on Finance, Economic Opportunities and Tourism starts its public participation roadshow gathering views on the proposed law on January 31.
Although the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) committee has not yet conducted hearings, provincial legislatures are free to hold their hearings before and/or concurrently with those held by the NCOP.
The bill seeks to introduce fair copyright to South Africa, ensure fair royalties for creators and fair use for communities, as well as to bring it in line with international treaties and best practice.
It also seeks to balance the rights of the originator or artists with those of the users, while giving support to the creative and commercial success of South African art and artists.
The proposed amendments look at the provision of a mechanism for settlement of disputes, providing access to copyright works by people with disabilities and providing for protection of digital rights while providing for certain new offences.
The standing committee will hold its first session in Oudtshoorn in the Banquet Hall, 69 Voortrekker Road, on January 31 from 5pm to 7pm.
The next session will be held in the Stellenbosch Town Hall, on February 21 at 5pm, which will be followed by a meeting at the Darling Community Hall on March 1, also at 5pm.
The remaining sessions will be held at Overstrand Municipality Banquet Hall and Auditorium on March 6, and at the provincial legislature’s chamber, sixth floor of the Provincial Legislature Building, on March 7.
People and organisations are invited to submit written or oral comments on the bills before March 10 via email to the legislature’s procedural officer, Zaheedah Adams, via email to zadams@wcpp.gov.za.
They can also send voice notes or messages on WhatsApp to 072 993 4631.
Meanwhile, ReCreate South Africa, which promotes the interests of South African creatives with regards to copyright legislation, said the Bill would help creators by expanding their ability to earn from, own and create copyright protected works.
In a statement published on its website, ReCreate said the bill would be a step forward into a fairer information economy.
mwangi.githahu@inl.co.za