The Minister of Information and Communication Technology (MICT), Tjekero Tweya, is not happy with delays in the finalization of amendments to the Copyright Neighbouring Right Protection Act.
The delayed Copyright Act No 6 of 1994 seeks to strengthen the protection of creative works.
Tweya says creators particularly in the music industry are faced with copyright infringement challenges that continue to rob them of their well-deserved incomes.
He was speaking during his first visit to Zambezi Region as ICT minister to attend the World Intellectual Property Day celebrations held in Katina Mullion on Saturday.
Tweya further revealed that the information ministry was working closely with the attorney general’s office to fast track amendments to the proposed Bill, which still has a lot of loopholes.
“The ministry of ICT is mindful of the challenges the music industry is facing in terms of copyright infringement and we have been working with the attorney general’s office to try and close the gaps in the current Copyright Neighbouring Right Protection Act. The delay in the finalisation of the Bill is frustrating. The ministry is currently trying to explore other options to address issues pertaining to piracy,” he stated.
Tweya called for a joint effort among stakeholders to unify the music industry, which he believes is in disarray.
“It is disheartening that 25 years after independence, the music industry is in a shambles with each horse pulling in its own direction. If the industry is divided it cannot adequately push for its agenda. The ministries of ICT, arts and cultural heritage, industrialization, trade and SME development as key stakeholders need to meet to jointly work out best ways of assisting the music industry to regulate itself,” said the information minister.
He also expressed disappointment with the low turnout of musicians at the event noting that such behaviour would not help build their careers.
“What a disappointment that musicians are not here when we want to recognize them. We want to elevate you so that you don’t just start and end here in the Zambezi. If you’re not serious, how do you expect others to be serious about you?” he asked rhetorically.
He appealed to private and public institutions to help bolster the careers of music artists by inviting them to perform for tourists and other visitors and in a way market the cultural heritage of Namibia.
“I call on public and private institutions including hotels and lodges to support our local musicians by availing space at their businesses where musicians can perform live. In this way musicians will be able to showcase Namibia’s cultural heritage through music.”
He also praised the organisers of the Namibia Annual Music Awards (NAMAs) for rewarding musicians adding that such gestures encourage creativity and innovation in the music industry.
“I commend NAMA for foresight in the development of the music industry and for steering musicians in the right direction. This has encouraged continued creativity and innovation,” he said.
He however implored for the inclusion of traditional musicians in far-flung areas of the country as they may not have the means to enter the competition.
“There are many musicians in remote areas who are more into traditional music and may not have the means to participate in the competition such as the NAMAs. As a strong proponent of inclusivity, I appeal to the organisers to reach out to them,” he said.
Tweya who has on several occasions spoken about a channel on national television dedicated entirely to Namibian content further asked musicians to exercise restraint towards advancing moral values in the country.
“We should be able to tell our own stories. For as long as I am minister of ICT, I want a channel on NBC dedicated to telling our own stories. However our freedom of expression should come with responsibility. Some musicians are so derogatory. Nonverbal communication is also equally important. When some musicians get on stage you can’t even tell whether they are dressed or naked,” stated Tweya.
Pirated music CDs and DVDs confiscated in all the regions by the Namibia Society of Composers and Authors of Music (NSCAM) with the assistance of law enforcement agencies were burned at the event.
World Intellectual Property Day is celebrated each year on April 26 aimed at promoting discussions on the role of intellectual property in encouraging innovation and creativity.
The Zambezi Region was chosen as the host for this year’s main celebrations with the Kharas Region having hosted the event last year.
The event was also attended by the Chairperson of the Business and Intellectual Property Authority (BIPA) Dagmar Honsbein and Zambezi Regional Governor Lawrence Sampofu, among other invited dignitaries.