BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MBABANE – The Eswatini Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Society (ESWACOS) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the protection and management of creative rights through active regional engagement, following its participation in a Knowledge Exchange Programme hosted by the South African Music Performance Rights Association (SAMPRA) in Johannesburg, South Africa, from 13th to 16th April 2026.
The programme brought together key Collective Management Organisations (CMOs) from across Southern Africa, including NASCAM of Namibia and LESCOSAA of Lesotho, creating a platform for shared learning and strengthened cooperation in the administration of Neighbouring Rights. ESWACOS was represented by Executive Director Mmeli Hlanze and Licensing Officer Nkosinathi Hlophe, who engaged in technical sessions focused on improving royalty management systems across the region.
SAMPRA, which administers Needletime (Neighbouring) Rights in South Africa on behalf of recording artists and record labels, facilitated discussions centred on improving efficiency, transparency, and cross-border coordination in royalty collection and distribution.
The programme explored several key thematic areas including CMO governance structures, licensing frameworks, legal enforcement mechanisms, membership and distribution policies, as well as marketing and customer service systems. Participants also examined the role of social and development funds in supporting artists through education, touring opportunities, and live performance initiatives.
According to ESWACOS Executive Director Mmeli Hlanze, the engagement represents a strategic milestone for the country’s creative sector. He noted:
“The Knowledge Exchange Programme marks an important step in strengthening regional cooperation among CMOs. ESWACOS’s participation supports improved protection of rights, enhanced royalty distribution systems, and expanded opportunities for international collaboration, contributing to the growth and development of Eswatini’s creative industry.”
A notable highlight for ESWACOS was its engagement with the Composers Authors and Publishers Association (CAPASSO), where discussions focused on potential collaboration in the administration of Mechanical Rights. This engagement is expected to open new pathways for Eswatini’s composers and authors to benefit from improved regional rights protection systems.
The initiative is expected to yield tangible benefits for Eswatini’s creative sector, including improved royalty collection through strengthened agreements with SAMPRA and CAPASSO. These partnerships are anticipated to ensure that Eswatini rights holders receive both mechanical and needle time royalties for the use of their works in South Africa.
The programme will also support capacity building in copyright management, licensing, and financial administration, equipping local industry stakeholders with enhanced technical expertise. Furthermore, it is expected to deepen regional collaboration with organisations such as NASCAM, LESCOSAA, SAMPRA, and CAPASSO, thereby expanding opportunities for Eswatini’s music industry within the broader Southern African market.
#EPN #EswatiniCreativeEconomy #ESWACOS #CopyrightProtection #MusicIndustryDevelopment #RegionalCollaboration #CreativeIndustries #RoyaltyRights
