The Democratic Alliance in Parliament is happy about yesterday’s news from ANC Secretary General, Fikile Mbalula. He said he’ll tell President Ramaphosa not to sign the Copyright Amendment and Performers’ Protection Amendment Bills.
Mr Mbalula’s support for the DA’s stance on these Bills is something we’ve been waiting for. It’s good to see.
For 7 years, the DA has been warning about how dangerous these Bills are. They actually make it harder for performers and creators to protect their work and make money from it. ANC MPs kept pushing these Bills through Parliament, even when the DA and industry experts warned them.
The DA also understands the ANC MPs in the Portfolio Committee in Trade, Industry and Competition, and other MPs who supported these Bills. Now they have to explain to the public why they’re against them. But that’s their problem.
The 7th Parliament is a chance for MPs from different parties to propose new laws that will protect content creators and help companies invest in our talented artists and performers.
By Dean Macpherson
