The Durban University of Technology (DUT), in collaboration with key stakeholders, proudly co-hosted the highly anticipated World Intellectual Property (IP) Day 2025 celebration in KwaZulu-Natal.

Centred on the theme “Intellectual Property and Music: Feel the Beat of IP” – the event explored the powerful intersection between IP and the music industry, highlighting how IP rights protect artistic creations, empower musicians and drive both cultural and economic growth.

Some of the sterling stakeholders who formed part of the prestigious events were the Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT), National Intellectual Property Management Office (NIPMO), Company and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), Durban Film Office (DFO), and the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA), the University of Zululand, University of KwaZulu-Natal, high school learners in Umlazi and several musicians and artists from the South African entertainment industry.

The series of three events were earmarked to raise awareness of the importance of intellectual property (IP) rights, particularly in fostering creativity and innovation within the music industry.

The first event entailed a media launch at the Mangosuthu University of Technology on 16 April 2025. This event introduced this year’s World IP Day theme and outlined the key activities planned for the celebration in collaboration with all the key stakeholders.

On 24 April 2025, a roadshow was held at the Durban Botanic Gardens which aimed at educating the communities at large about the importance of intellectual property and its role in fostering innovation and creativity, empowering a new generation of innovators and creatives.

The event was attended by Mr Timothy Magampa, General Manager of Legal and Licensing at Independent Music Performance Rights Association (IMPRA). He delivered a dynamic presentation on the registering of artistic work and the protection of intellectual property. Mr Thando Nyameni, Managing Director of KUMISA, shared his insights on leveraging intellectual property to build successful careers and businesses in the creative industry.

Dr Thobile Sifunda, Head of Department for Sport, Arts and Culture, welcomed all attendees at the roadshow and highlighted key points for artists to consider which are ownership, control, and management; understanding the value chain; and embracing partnerships. She noted that the department has various programmes in place, including schools.

She also emphasised the importance of supporting local talent brands, recognising the value they each bring to the cultural and economic landscape.

Pictured: DUT’s Technology Transfer and Innovation (TTI) team, Nonkululeko Khuzwayo, Thandokuhle Luthuli, Daniel Vilakazi and Ms Nomnikelo Lundall.

Day two round off with the multi-talented artist from Ulundi, Ntuthuko Ndebele, known as Mthuthu. He shared on his musical journey and offered advice on navigating the challenges of the music industry. Having encountered numerous challenges himself, Ndebele’s insights provided a realistic perspective on what upcoming artists may face, making his words a crucial takeaway for those looking to break into the industry.

The final day of the celebration of the World Intellectual Property (IP) Day 2025 took place at the  Mangosuthu University of Technology on 25 April 2025. The day culminated into an interactive workshop which focused on the various practical aspects of intellectual property, with a vast emphasis on the comprehensive understanding of IP’s in the music industry, highlighting the contribution of various stakeholders such as SAMRO, NIMPO, LASA and CIPC.

A dynamic talk on the rights of artists was given by Ms Lerato Moloi, Founder and CEO of Lawyers for the Arts South Africa (LASA), who gave insight into the challenges faced by independent artists when dealing with record labels and also brought to the fore some of her experiences and lessons learned at the World Intellectual Property Day Celebration 2025.

“My goal is to create a fair, inclusive and legally empowered creative industry in South Africa; and to establish long-term legal support, education, and policy advocacy for artists across disciplines,” she said.

The highlight of the day entailed a direct interaction with professionals in the field such as the acclaimed South African jazz pianist and cultural ambassador, Mr Andile Yenana, who spoke about his creative works, particularly musicians in his era where intellectual property was not given much priority by the musicians and artists, but he encourages future artists and musicians to become part of the national intellectual property organisations which now exist such as CIPC and LASO which are instrumental in helping to protect the creations of musicians and artists and in providing a supporting role to the future of the music industry and its creative professionals.

All in all, the day concluded with much knowledge-sharing of resources and expertise, where music was the key focus in terms of intellectual property where creators were given priority to be given recognition to provide them with essential skills in intellectual property (IP).

Pictured: South African jazz pianist and cultural ambassador, Mr Andile Yenana, sharing his insight at  the World Intellectual Property (IP) Day 2025.

Photography: S’bonelo Dlamini

Phiwayinkosi Sibiya/Waheeda Peters