ABOUT US

C21 - Who Are We ?

A non - profit Organization, governed by a constitution, aimed at bringing greater clarity to the effects of current legislation on business practices in photography and all its photographers in South Africa.

C21 - For what purpose?

• To clarify the existing Copyright Act 1978 / Section 21 as it applies to photographers.
• To give an interpretation of Section 21.
  
• To suggest ways to address the problems and pitfalls created by the application of Section 21(1)(c)
• To act as a resource and advisory centre for photographers dealing with copyright issues.

C21 - Why Challenge Existing Practices ?

The C21 Association believes that the 1978 Copyright Act was framed with the sole interests of big business in mind and not the individual. Sect 21(1)(C) of the Act specifically denies commissioned photographers the right to control and benefit from the use of their commissioned work.
At the same time, we will be trying to get a clarification of ambiguous or interpretive parts of the Act. We hope to bring South African Copyright Law into line with best international practice. We further believe that Section 21(1)(c) of the Copyright Law is unconstitutional.

C21 - Why Is Sect 21(1)(C) Unconstitutional ?

Because it denies photographers (and other specific individuals) the constitutional right to the protection of and continuing benefit from ownership of their intellectual property rights. And because it treats photographers differently from others engaged in creative endeavors, it is discriminatory.