The Eswatini Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Society has taken a significant step toward strengthening the country’s creative industry following its participation in a regional Knowledge Exchange Programme hosted by the South African Music Performance Rights Association.
Held from 13 to 16 April, the programme brought together collective management organisations (CMOs) from across Southern Africa, including Namibia Society of Composers and Authors of Music and Lesotho Copyright Society of Authors and Artists. The initiative provided a platform for collaboration, skills-sharing, and discussions aimed at improving the administration of neighbouring rights in the region.
ESWACOS was represented by Managing Director Mmeli Hlanze, alongside a Licensing Officer. The delegation engaged in a series of technical sessions and strategic dialogues focusing on licensing systems, royalty distribution, governance, and compliance frameworks.
Speaking on the sidelines of the programme, Hlanze said the experience was both timely and transformative for the organisation.
“This exchange has given us practical insights into how we can strengthen our systems and better serve our rights holders. We are returning home more informed, more connected, and more determined to ensure that creators in Eswatini are fairly compensated for their work,” he said.
The programme also explored innovative approaches to artist welfare, including social support and development initiatives aimed at improving the livelihoods of performers. Participants shared best practices on how CMOs can go beyond royalty collection to play a more holistic role in the creative ecosystem.
A key highlight of the engagement was the emphasis on regional cooperation. Delegates underscored the importance of building unified systems that can efficiently manage rights across borders, particularly in an era of increasing digital consumption of music and other creative works.
Hlanze noted that strengthening partnerships with organisations such as SAMPRA and Composers Authors and Publishers Association will be crucial in modernising ESWACOS operations.
“Collaboration within the region is essential if we are to build a sustainable creative economy. By working together, we can develop fairer systems that recognise and reward the immense value that artists bring to our societies,” he added.
For ESWACOS, the programme marks a key milestone in its ongoing efforts to improve transparency, efficiency, and service delivery. The organisation has reiterated its call for all users of copyrighted works in Eswatini to obtain proper licences, stressing that compliance plays a vital role in sustaining the creative sector.
