Please note: This petition has closed, but since the ruling party dismissed the objections from opposition parties and artists, more protest action will follow. PEN Afrikaans will be in contact with LitNet when further action is planned.
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Why this petition matters
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.
See also:
Submission in opposition to the current Copyright Amendment Bill
Book discussion and interview on the Juta publication: Copyright reform or reframe?
The Copyright Amendment Bill: an interview with Sadulla Karjiker
Kommentaar
As opkomende skrywer is dit alreeds 'n uitdaging om finansiële bevryding te kan geniet. Ek stem nie saam met die voornemende wetgewing wat die kunswêreld 'n groot knou wil gee en ons sodoende in sak-en-as wil dompel nie. Goewerment moet die 'Bill' herkonstrueer tot voordeel vir kunstenaars en nie andersom nie.