Protecting Copyrights and Neighbouring Rights in the Music Industry in Southern Africa: A Need for Regulatory Convergence

Abstract

This article compares the copyright laws of Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, South Africa, Swaziland and Zimbabwe governing music as against the Berne Convention with a view to determine similarities which are necessary in the Internet age. The findings point to divergence in the standards of protection, thereby calling for harmonisation of laws in the Southern African region. In addition, the article recommends the ratification of the WIPO Internet treaties to respond to the new forms of infringement posed by the advent of the Internet and advancements in technology.