About the event

As a stakeholder who advocates for human rights and social justice. The Information Regulator cordially invites you to the Public Hearings into allegations of refusal of access to the records relating to the payment of the license fees and copyright royalties collected by RISA audiovisual licensing NPC.

The Information Regulator (Regulator) is an independent regulatory body established in terms of section 39 of the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013. It is, among others, empowered to monitor and enforce compliance by public and private bodies with the provisions of the Promotion of Access to Information Act, 2 of 2000 (PAIA).

The Regulator has, by section 77A of PAIA, received a complaint from Hardwick Trading (Pty) Ltd (Complainant), wherein the Complainant alleged that it is entitled to the payment in respect of license fees and/or copyright royalties due under a record label, and that RISA Audio Visual (RAV) has refused access to the records relating to the payment of the license fees or copyright royalties received by the RAV from broadcasters and other users for the public performance of music videos.

It has been a historical challenge for the music industry in terms of its governance. It subsequently led to artists being disgruntled by many factors in their royalties. Upon receipt of the complaint, the Regulator has determined that the issue does affect not only the complainant but also affect the majority of musicians and other key role players in the music industry. Your participation in the hearings will be valuable to the process of advocating for the right of access to information in the industry and the wider society.