Question NW1554 to the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture
29 July 2020 - NW1554
Madlingozi, Mr BS to ask the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture
Whether he instructed the SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) to payIndependent Music Performance Rights Association (IMPRA) monies to the amount of R10 million that were for legitimate needletime rights for musicians, as if the specified amount was for the Covid-19 relief fund; if not, (a) who ordered the SABC to pay IMPRA monies and (b) why?
Reply:
We have neither instructed the SABC nor any collecting societies, we have no legal authority to do as such.
You will understand that under normal circumstances royalties are being paid on a periodic basis. The decision by the SABC to provide an advance was therefore a positive response to close the gap for rights owners (this include record companies and performers) to get advance income. A public statement was issued onFriday, 08 May 2020by the three parties thus the SABC, SAMPRA and IMPRA regarding this matter. The statement is available on the SABC website and it provides full details.
Section A and B can best be responded to by SABC.