Copyright Amendment Bill

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Copyright and Performers’ Protection Amendment Bills scheduled for adoption on 29 February 2024

The Bills are scheduled for concurrence by the National Assembly on 29 February.  With the Portfolio Committee having recommended it in its report, concurrence should be a formality, notwithstanding passionate and disapproving statements that can be expected from opposition MPs during the debate.  With only ten days to go, it seems that only a bout of Leap Year Madness could change the plan.

Comments on the Copyright Amendment Bill

PEN Afrikaans welcomes the revision of the Copyright Act but implores the legislature to consider the impact of the proposed provisions on the creative industries that authors are dependent on. It is our opinion that the Bill, as it stands, does not pass muster on constitutional compliance, legal certainty, and on truly protecting and enhancing the interests of authors whose livelihood depends on the ability to commercialise their work.