Piracy, often packaged as “free access,” continues to undermine South Africa’s digital economy, draining billions in potential revenue and stifling the creative ambitions of local artists and innovators. Every pirated film, song or software programme tells a story of jobs not created, businesses unable to grow, and creators whose passion is dimmed by a system that too easily consumes their work without reward.
It is against this backdrop that, on 20 November, the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) in partnership with Creative Cnergy and Anti-Piracy Coalition, hosted a strategic luncheon to advance ongoing efforts in the fight against piracy. The luncheon was a collaboration between the government and the creative industry, bringing together a diverse group of creative industry organisations for a renewed collective effort to fight piracy and safeguard intellectual property in South Africa.
Among the participants were representatives from the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC), the Department of Trade Industry and Competition (DTIC), World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Dramatic, Artistic and Literary Rights Organisation (DALRO), the Academy of Sound Engineering, Pula Bakgakga Media, MaXhosa Africa, the Alliance Against Counterfeit Spirits (AACS), and members involved in the National Book Policy, among others.
The gathering was convened under the theme “Sustaining Creativity – Combating Piracy Across Industries,” signalling a commitment to building a sustainable and competitive creative economy. Stakeholders described the discussion as overdue, yet vital, to ensure meaningful protection for creators in an increasingly digital landscape.
Our Managing Director Collen Dlamini was a moderator to a panel discussion for the “Fireside Chat under the theme: Protecting Creativity in a Digital Age.”
The determination of South Africa’s creative industries to refuse piracy as a “normalised crime” was clear throughout the session. And, the creative industry’s tireless advocacy against piracy is what ensures the creative economy remains vibrant, competitive, and sustainable.
Nomonde Maimela, Executive Manager: Innovation and Creativity, at CIPC highlighted the importance of using strategic platforms like the G20 stage, to amplify their voice globally, particularly in the global South, across Africa. She further cited that South Africa is in a strong position to combat piracy due to its political will and commitment, allowing it to enhance expertise and leadership in the creative and intellectual property sectors.
This luncheon served as the progressing and renewed powerful coalition, one that stands firm for creators and more firmly against piracy.
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