MBABANE – The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade, with the Eswatini Intellectual Property Office (EIPO), has successfully commemorated World Book and Copyright Day.
The event was commemorated under the local theme, ‘Promoting SiSwati Stories in the Digital Age’. The commemoration seeks to foster dialogue on the role of copyright in safeguarding creativity, supporting creators, promoting local content and strengthening the creative economy in an increasingly digital environment.
Representing the Minister for Commerce, Thambo Gina said the commemoration presents an important opportunity to reflect on the value of ideas, stories, books, creativity and intellectual property in shaping society and driving economic and cultural development.
“Today’s local theme is both timely and relevant. As we increasingly navigate the digital world, we must intentionally promote and preserve our local stories, language and cultural identity. The digital age presents immense opportunities for Eswatini creators to share authentic siSwati stories with broader audiences, including the export market, while also creating economic value from their creativity. Indeed, the ministry recently made presentations to our legislators as part of the final process of acceding to the so called copyright ‘Internet Treaties’ which reiterate and buttress the remuneration of content creators for the use of copyright material online,” he shared.
Gina further stated that stories are powerful, as they preserve heritage, shape national identity, educate future generations and inspire innovation. “Whether through books, music, poetry, film, digital content or oral storytelling, our creators carry the responsibility and privilege of documenting who we are as a people. However, creativity can only thrive where creators are respected, protected and fairly rewarded. This is where copyright becomes critically important,” he said.
Copyright protection ensures that creators retain recognition and derive economic benefit from their work. It encourages creativity and investment in the creative industries while providing confidence that one’s efforts and originality will not be unfairly exploited.
The minister’s representative stated that government recognises that the creative economy has a growing potential to contribute meaningfully to economic growth, youth empowerment, employment creation and cultural preservation.
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Some of the office’s stakeholders. (Courtesy pics)