Calls for Bills to be signed

Calls for President Cyril Ramaphosa to sign the correlated Performers Protection Amendment Bill and Copyright Amendment Bill have intensified since Igazi actress Vatiswa Ndara’s scathing open letter to Minister Nathi Mthethwa. A Weekend Post report says the lengthy letter – in which Ndara addresses injustices relating to residual payments, unfair contractual and working conditions and remuneration – has seen several other actors and actresses calling for an end to the exploitation of artists. Their best bet, they said, was for the President to sign the two Bills. Both have been passed by the National Assembly and the NCOP and have been awaiting the President’s signature. South African Guild of Actors chair Jack Devnarain said that actors had no power or legal protection against exploitation. He said the performers’ protection law would protect the rights of artists and enable them to claim royalties for the use of their work. Meanwhile, the Copyright Bill would allow for the establishment of bodies to supervise collection organisations.