Mbabane – The Eswatini Copyright & Neighbouring Rights Society, ESWACOS, is inviting creators, authors, producers, and performers from across the country to attend regional workshops on copyright and royalties. The initiative aims to educate participants on protecting their work and earning from public use of their creative output.
ESWACOS Director Mmeli Hlanze said the workshops will cover copyright and neighbouring rights, commercialisation, management, membership registration, and how to claim royalties. He added that the workshops are open to all creatives in music, film, photography, literature, visual, and performing arts.
“The workshops will help creators understand the rights they hold and how to maximise earnings from their work. We will also facilitate live registrations and launch our online registration platform,” Hlanze said. 
The workshops will be held at four locations to reach participants in different regions:
- Manzini: The George Hotel, Saturday, 27 September, 08:30 to 13:30
- Nhlangano: EWSC Auditorium, Wednesday, 1 October, 08:30 to 13:30
- Ezulwini: Happy Valley Hotel, Saturday, 4 October, 08:30 to 13:30
- Siteki: Siteki Hotel, Saturday, 11 October, 08:30 to 13:30
Hlanze explained that copyright protection begins the moment a work is fixed in a tangible form, such as recording a song or writing a manuscript. Understanding this is key for creators to safeguard their work and ensure fair compensation.
Participants will also learn how copyright royalties are calculated and distributed, giving them the tools to navigate the commercial side of their creative industries.
Those interested can register online at https://shorturl.at/C69U6, scan the QR code, or contact ESWACOS via email at info@eswacos.org.sz or call/WhatsApp +268 760 24199.
