MEDIA SHARPEN COPYRIGHT REPORTING SKILLS

By : Nonophile Khumalo

EZULWINI – Journalists have been urged to play a more active role in protecting Eswatini’s creative industry by verifying copyright ownership, seeking permission before using creative works and ensuring that creators receive proper credit.
The call was made during a Copyright Awareness and Media Engagement Workshop held at Sibane Sami Hotel in Ezulwini yesterday. The workshop brought together journalists, editors and other media practitioners to strengthen reporting on copyright and intellectual property issues.

Senior Copyright Examiner Nomcebo Mavuso said the media has a responsibility to uphold copyright laws through ethical reporting and content use. She encouraged journalists to verify ownership of creative works before publication, seek permission where necessary and always acknowledge the original creators.
“The media plays a critical role in protecting intellectual property by verifying ownership, seeking permission and crediting creators,” she said.

Director of the Eswatini Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Society (ESWACOS) Mmeli Hlanze said ownership of copyright rests with the individual who creates the original work.
“Ownership of any copyright shall vest in the authors of the work concerned,” he said, adding that creators must be recognised as the rightful owners of their intellectual property.

The workshop, organised by the Copyright Office under the Eswatini Intellectual Property Office (EIPO) in partnership with ESWACOS, also unpacked the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act of 2018, copyright registration, licensing, royalty collection and distribution.

The engagement highlighted the importance of safeguarding intellectual property as Eswatini’s creative sector continues to expand through music, film, literature, arts and cultural events that contribute to the country’s tourism offering.
Organisers said strengthening journalists’ understanding of copyright issues will improve public awareness and promote accurate reporting while supporting creators whose work continues to showcase Eswatini’s rich cultural heritage to local and international audiences.