Copyright Amendment Bill approved by SA Cabinet
Minister in the Presidency responsible for Performance Monitoring and Evaluation Jeff Radebe has announced the approval of the publication of the Copyright Amendment Bill, 2015.
The Bill, which amends the Copyright Act, No 98 of 1978 and the Performers Protection Act, No 11 of 1967, will now be published in the Government Gazette for wider consultation.
Radebe said that both bills are outdated, as they do not consider developments at a multi-lateral level nor do they have provisions that deal with digital issues.
“The Bill addresses the licensing of copyright work and material in relation to commissioned work to prevent commercial exploitation,” he said.
“This will help government to address the plight of musicians and performers by ensuring that royalties are paid on time by recording companies and broadcasters as most of them are dying as paupers.”
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