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[FILE] The artists are calling on President Cyril Ramaphosa to sign the bill that allows them to earn royalty rights and other essential benefits.
Several organisations, including Section 27, Blind SA, and the Information Association of South Africa, are expected to make submissions at the Constitutional Court, calling for the Copyright Amendment Bill (CAB) to be passed and declared constitutional.
This follows President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to return the amended Bill to the court, raising concerns that some provisions may be unconstitutional.
The case being heard at the apex court also includes a review of the Performers’ Protection Amendment Bill. Both Bills aim to improve access to creative works for people with disabilities, educators, and artists, particularly for non-commercial educational and research purposes.
Candidate Attorney at Section 27, Faatima Laher, says the organisation is especially focused on how the Bill will affect learners who are blind or visually impaired.
“Section 27 has a particular interest in the CAB as it relates to access to educational materials for the learners, especially those who are blind or visually impaired. As Section 27, we welcome the opportunity to participate in this matter, and to highlight those provisions of the CAB that will allow equal access to educational materials and advance the right to freedom of expression and the right to participate in a cultural life of one’s choice,” Laher says.
Outside the court, civil society groups including Section 27, Blind SA, and the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) are expected to stage a picket in support of the legislation. They argue that the changes will help improve access to educational material without the need to seek permission from copyright holders for non-commercial use.
The court will hear submissions from the various organisations in the coming days.
