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Bruce Ndlovu
ZIMBABWEAN actress Chiedza “Chi” Mhende has joined the chorus of those in South African showbiz calling for that country’s president Cyril Ramaphosa to sign into law a bill that seeks to protect the intellectual property of content creators.
Although it has been subject to many battles with some claiming that it is a serious threat to online freedom, the latest draft of South Africa’s Copyright Amendment Bill is before Parliament. While others have welcomed it, not everyone is happy with it, especially regarding permission for the reuse of content.
“So this current bill is a users bill disguised as a bill that is for educational purposes. I think there is a somewhat more cynical aspect through how the bill is promulgated around international tech companies who will gain the most from having free use of content,” said Khethiwe Ngcobo, a member of the Independent Black Filmmakers Collective.
However, in a letter shared on social media, Mhende urged the South African president to sign the bill.
“This #ThoughtfulThursday, allow me to offer to you and the universe what I’m PRAYING for TODAY. (Coz where two or more are gathered . . . right???) What would YOUR life be, without the T.V., theatre, CINEMA, NETFLIX or DVD? Without the stories that inspire us, on the radio, stage or in the movies? Well, I for one . . . would be unemployed! I’d have no purpose really. Uninspired I would be . . . AND YOU, my friend, would have nothing to balance your reality. NO stories of which to speak, to teach, encourage and therefore relate to THAT very human thing,” she wrote before urging the South African president to sign the bill when it comes before him.
Bongani Ndlovu