The Durban University of Technology (DUT) attended the much-anticipated World Intellectual Property (IP) Day 2025 Media Launch which took place at the Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT)-Student Centre, Umlazi on Wednesday, 16 April 2025.
The media launch was held to facilitate the sharing of resources and expertise, to provide students and staff with essential skills on intellectual property (IP).
Some of the stakeholders who formed part of the event was Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT), Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), National Intellectual Property Management Office (NIPMO), Company and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), Durban Film Office (DFO), the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA), University of Zululand, University of KwaZulu-Natal and the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA).
The theme for the event was on Intellectual Property (IP) and Music: Feel the beat, of IP emphasising how IP rights empower artists, protect their creations and contribute to cultural and economic development.
Sharing more insight into the importance of intellectual property and its role in fostering innovation and creativity was Professor Nokuthula Sibiya, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT).
Prof Sibiya gave her thanks to the various stakeholders who were present to celebrate the esteemed World Intellectual Property (IP) Day 2025 celebration at MUT.
She emphasised the sterling collaborations, work and dedication by the various stakeholders which were key in bringing everyone together for this media launch.
Her focus of discussion pertained to the theme of intellectual property in relation to music, where music expressions and empowerments were the subject matters. She highlighted on the musical plight of the artists and musicians who are being exploited and has become a widespread issue in South Africa.
“This launch serves as a beginning of many discussions, initiatives and activities which are planned for throughout the year, with the aim to inspire the next generation of music innovators that are among us,” she stressed.
Professor Sibiya further shared on the forthcoming two events that evolved around the World Intellectual Property (IP) Day 2025. She shared that the next insightful event that has been planned will be a riveting roadshow, taking place at the Durban Botanic Gardens on 24 April 2025.
Prof Sibiya indicated that the aim of the roadshow is to educate the communities at large about the importance of intellectual property and its role in fostering innovation and creativity. The final event earmarked for World Intellectual Property (IP) Day 2025 will be an interactive workshop which is planned to take place at MUT on 25 April 2025.
She explained that the workshop will focus on equipping participants with the crucial role of IP in supporting the future of the music industry and its creative professionals.
Sharing more insight into the celebration was DUT’s Technology Transfer and Innovation Directorate (TTI) representative Dr Farai Dziike, who gave a message of support to MUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Sibiya.
He emphasised on the need of commercialisation of music which all lead to intellectual property rights, and which looks at protecting and the ability to monetise musical works.
“These rights empower artists to control the use of their music, and to benefit financially from the music industry. Understanding and effectively managing these rights is crucial for musicians to contribute to the ability of growth of the music industry,” he said.
Further on, speakers such as Sharon Gumede, Senior Manager at the Durban Film Office and Dr Mandla Hlongwane, Deputy Director: Intellectual Property and other sister university representative speakers highlighted the essential need for artists to learn about copyrights, how to acquire and to understand how vital it is to obtain protection for their music inventions.
The dynamic World Intellectual Property (IP) Day 2025 also had various artists like Ayarhkay belt out her popular, musical tunes to whet the appetites of attendees, and beautiful poetry recitals were rendered by Mthuthu and Mbali.
Pictured: DUT’s Technology Transfer and Innovation Directorate (TTI) representative Dr Farai Dziike, gave a message of support to MUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Sibiya.
Photography: S’bonelo Dlamini
Waheeda Peters/Simangele Zuma
