The Copyright Coalition of South Africa (CCSA) has welcomed the decision by President Cyril Ramaphosa to refer the Copyright Amendment Bill and the Performers’ Amendment Bill to the Constitutional Court, for a ruling on their legality.
CCSA is optimistic the move is a step in the right direction.
“This step highlights the President’s commitment to ensuring that the rights of creators and performers are fully safeguarded under our Constitution.
“We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Creative and Cultural Industries, CCIs, for their relentless dedication in the fight to protect the rights of creators across South Africa.
“Your unwavering support and tireless efforts continue to inspire us all, and we remain united in securing a future where the rights of creators are respected and upheld.
“Together we move forward in our mission to protect, preserve and promote the rights of all creators,” read a statement published by the group on X.
Ramaphosa’s decision comes after he had previously requested Parliament to reconsider the two Bills.
According to a statement by the Presidency, the Constitution makes provision for him to refer the Bills to the ConCourt if he still has concerns after Parliament’s deliberations on the matter.
The debate on the Bills dates back to 2017 when they were first sent to Parliament to be amended
One of the people who expressed dissatisfaction was Mzansi music icon, Yvonne Chaka Chaka who wrote an open letter to the President expressing concern that some sections of the Bills will reverse the gains made by creatives.
The Bills, which were revised and adopted in March this year at the National Assembly, aim to protect the economic interests of art practitioners against infringement.
Despite the long wait for Ramaphosa to sign them into law, it remains uncertain when the ConCourt will make its ruling for them to be officially implemented.
