Students, staff, and community members engage in a Music Copyright and Financial Literacy workshop to get information on protecting their creative right
By Kgabo Selepe |ulpublications@ul.ac.za
Students, staff, and community members recently gathered at the University of Limpopo (UL) for a Music Copyright and Financial Literacy Workshop aimed at educating participants about their rights in the fields of copyright and intellectual property (IP)
Hosted in partnership with Shinebright Entertainment, themed ‘Harmonising Creativity and Commerce: Navigating Music Copyright and Financial Literacy’, the workshop featured legal and financial experts who provided information on safeguarding creative works and managing finances in the music industry.
Legal expert Leslie Sedibe, CAPASSO Chairman and Attorney of the High Court of South Africa, highlights the importance of valuing original creative works and aligning copyright laws with African values
Keynote speaker, Leslie Sedibe, Chairman of the Composers, Authors, and Publishers Association (CAPASSO) and an Attorney of the High Court of South Africa, emphasised the importance of recognising and valuing original creative works. “Copyright is essentially the right to copy,” Sedibe explained. “The concept of copying implies an original work, and copyright law exists to protect that originality.” He noted that South Africa’s trademark registration system has limitations, primarily recognising cinematographic works, but the real challenge lies in the conflicting nature of certain laws. Sedibe called for a greater alignment between African values, like Ubuntu, and the legal framework, stressing the need for laws that resonate with cultural identity.
Sedibe also highlighted that copyright only applies to original works, cautioning students against using Artificial Intelligence (AI) when producing theses, as originality is a key requirement. He further explained that copyright protection for non-South Africans is available only if their country is a member of the Berne Convention, an international agreement that safeguards copyright globally.
Thabo Kgole, Intellectual Property Officer at UL’s Technology Transfer Office (TTO), addressed the importance of IP in the music industry, particularly trademark rights. He stressed that a unique name is crucial for distinguishing oneself from others in the competitive music landscape. “Trademark protection ensures that if someone tarnishes your name, you can take legal action and safeguard your brand,” Kgole said. He added that a registered trademark can lead to licensing opportunities, increasing the potential for commercial success. Kgole defined a trademark as “any sign capable of being graphically represented that distinguishes goods or services from others,” urging participants to monetise their IP for long-term benefits.
Financial Planner Musa Mabunda contributed to the conversation by demystifying financial literacy. “We are building on principles established by pioneers in the field,” Mabunda noted, acknowledging that financial planning may seem complex but worth it. He reassured attendees, stating, “Despite its perceived challenges, financial planning is a well-established discipline essential for anyone looking to manage their assets effectively.”
Esme Mohlahlo, Public Relations and Communications Officer at Shynebright Entertainment highlighted the importance of the partnership in addressing critical gaps within the creative community. “The genuine engagement from attendees underscored the pressing need for discussions on these topics. Many individuals are unsure where to access vital information, making this workshop a valuable platform for bridging those gaps,” Mohlahlo noted. She emphasised that such partnerships, through workshops and public announcements, are crucial for empowering artists by providing them with the essential knowledge and resources they often lack.