Online Reporter
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
THE Zimbabwe Council of Copyrights (ZICCO) says ZIMURA should not blame other players in the industry for its shortcomings.
ZICCO has rejected claims that its operations have a role to play in ZIMURA’s failure to meet demands from its members.
The development follows weeks of accusations in which ZICCO has been portrayed as a scapegoat for ZIMURA’s troubles, a situation that has sparked growing concern among stakeholders.
In a statement, ZICCO CEO, Dr Tafadzwa Masembura, said ZIMURA should not blame the council for its own shortcomings, arguing that the two organisations operate independently.
“We would like to set the record straight regarding recent reports and assertions concerning its (ZIMURA) operations, royalty collections and relationship with other collective management organisations (CMOs),” he said.
“As a registered CMO, ZICCO currently collects royalties from general collections, which include restaurants, bars, nightclubs and hotels.
“Our mandate is clear: to ensure that our members, as rights holders, benefit from the use of their creative works.
“For the avoidance of doubt, ZICCO has never received royalties from radio and television stations, despite the fact that music belonging to our members is used by these broadcasters. Reports suggesting otherwise are therefore incorrect.
“We also categorically reject reports that ZICCO has been undercutting ZIMURA.”
He added:
“While ZICCO licenses rights holders and users of copyrighted works within its mandate, our approach has been mainly to reach out to institutions and stakeholders that previously operated without obtaining the requisite licences.
“Our flexibility in engaging first-time licensees is consistent with the Government’s ease-of-doing-business policy.
“This approach has enabled us to work with a number of stakeholders who may have been unfamiliar with the licensing process.
“ZICCO’s operations should also not be conflated with allegations of incompetence, financial exploitation or mismanagement levelled against other CMOs.”
He said his organisation has only been in operation for three years.
“ZICCO is an independent organisation that has been operational for only three years, while other CMOs have operated for decades, including periods of monopoly in the sector.
“Despite facing various legal battles and significant legal costs arising from cases instituted against the organisation, ZICCO has remained committed to its mandate and members.
“At no point have we failed to pay royalties or fulfil our other obligations to our members, including medical, funeral and legal cover.
“These benefits remain part of our commitment to supporting rights holders beyond royalty collection.”
Masembura said they have also incurred legal costs along the way.
“We have also never blamed ZIMURA for the legal costs incurred by ZICCO in defending itself in various cases.
“The recent Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services public hearings further demonstrate the importance of transparency and accountability within the collective management sector.
“The hearings provided an opportunity for musicians and other rights holders to raise concerns and engage directly on issues affecting the industry.
“ZICCO therefore urges ZIMURA to maintain professionalism in its public communications and refrain from including ZICCO in its financial reporting or representations in a manner that may create confusion between the two organisations.
“ZICCO remains committed to working with Government, rights holders and other stakeholders towards the growth, development and sustainability of Zimbabwe’s music and creative sector,” he said.
