We, South African authors, readers, and stakeholders in the book industry, note with grave concern that the Copyright Amendment Bill is scheduled for concurrence by the National Assembly on 29 February 2024. 

Once more, and with a unified voice, we implore the legislature to reject the bill. 

We are legitimately concerned about its introduction of a hybrid model of “copyright exceptions anchored in fair use” that goes too far in its proposed weakening of copyright protection.

The bill will deprive local creatives of existing rights and income streams. 

Further, the local book industry will suffer, with projections of a 33% decrease in book sales and a 30% decline in employment if these provisions should become law. 

Copyright law should strike a fair balance, but this bill does not. It will cause lasting harm to the very people it claims to protect.  

Numerous copyright law experts have said it should be redrafted in its entirety because many of its provisions are unconstitutional and not in line with international law to which South Africa is bound.

Please, we call on the National Assembly to protect us, to protect the writers and readers of the future, and to reject the Copyright Amendment Bill.  

 

#StoptheCopyrightAmendmentBill #ProtectAuthors #StopCABnow #ActNow #ProtectCreativity