By OBAKENG MAJE
The world-renowned author, Mpho Sabata Mokae said he was shocked to see the Northern Cape Department of Sport, Arts and Culture allegedly violated copyright rules by photocopying his book, Moletlo Wa Manong. without consent.
Mokae, who shared his disappointments on his Facebook page said, it is a disgrace to see the Northern Cape Department of Sport, Arts and Culture violating the rights of writers, instead of advancing and promoting writing and literacy development as the custodian.
It is alleged that, the department made copies of the book, Moletlo Wa Manong for a certain book club in Jan Kempdorp that will embark on the Funda Mzanzi National Book Club competition to take place in George from 2 until 7 October 2022.
“Friends, this has been a very difficult week. In my entire blessed life of writing, I have never seen a photocopy of my book anywhere, until the Northern Cape Department of Sport, Arts and Culture photocopied my novel and that of my sister, Mohale Mashigo.
“The National Library of South Africa (NLSA) has issued a public statement (not an apology). After being dead quiet for days, the Northern Cape Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has finally invited sister Mohale and I, as well as our publishers to a meeting.
“The DSAC’s invitation possibly follows a call I received late last night on 15 September 2022 from the Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul. In a call, brother Saul understood the hurt and disappointment caused by the violation of our copyright and promised to get on to the matter this morning,” he said.
Disappointed Mokae said their meeting with the DSAC has not taken place yet, but he appreciates a gesture from the NLSA, a call from Saul. He said, he also hopes the meeting with the DSAC will have positive outcomes.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape MEC for Sport, Arts, and Culture, Desery Finies said: “On behalf of the department, we would like to take this opportunity to first and foremost apologise to both authors for the indiscretion, unbecoming and shameful act of the officials, who made copies of the books.
“It is indeed a setback for the department who are the custodians and guardians of promoting, protecting, and advancing literacy development in our province.”
Finies said the authors are both aspirant and renowned writers. She said Mokae and Mashigo remain their key partners and stakeholders in advancing and promoting social development through reading, writing, and literacy development.
“As the department, we need to emphasise that the copying of the books was not made for financial gain and there was no malicious intent to undermine the authors.
“Unfortunately, the book club has not received the original copies of the books as yet from the National Library Services, hence a copy was made of each book. A copy of the books was thus made in a reaction of over-eagerness to assist the book club, which led to the fact that oversight took preference over compliance,” she said.
Finies said they are also mindful of the fact that ignorance of the law is no excuse. She said, as the department, they do not justify the act of copying any books nor do they condone it.
The Guardian 