Conduct a Feasibility Study on the Impact and Effectiveness of the Introduction of a Blank Tape Levy in South Africa to Mitigate Copyright Violations

Detailed description of project Back

The objective of the study is to improve policy development in the cultural industries, in particular addressing the policy gaps regarding protection of copyrighted work in the cultural sectors as well as identification of possible revenue streams that are available for the benefit of cultural workers.

The specific objective of the assignment will be to conduct a feasibility study on the appropriateness, impact and effectiveness to mitigate and combat copyright infringement of the arts and culture sectors. The feasibility study will be informed by existing reports and information on the arts and culture sectors and thus the study will have to make pertinent recommendations on the positive as well as negative impact and outcomes of a policy implementation such as the planned Blank tape levy.

Type of services provided

Core services provided by a team of 3 Senior Consultants:

• Develop a framework (approach and methods) for the feasibility study for approval by DAC;
• Research: Literature review;
• Consult with various stakeholders, role-players, Blank tape producers/suppliers, users to provide recent figures regarding the use of blank-tapes in South Africa; and
• Provide an analysis of the current legislation governing copyrighted work in the music and other related sectors and identify gaps, weakness and opportunities – especially in relation to the usage of blank tapes;
• Provide a detailed analysis as to what extend the use of blank-tapes is affecting the concerned sectors (music and film industry);
• Provide international lessons and strategies including the opportunities and challenges of implementing a blank-tape levy;
• Provide recommendations relevant for the South African situation and a pragmatic approach towards future implementation, inclusive of an indicative budget and timeframes/phases for effective implementation;
• Prepare and facilitate a one-day feedback and outcomes workshop with the DAC and relevant stakeholders on the final draft of the Feasibility study.