DEAR Editor.-
Blind persons have access to only about .5 percent of all publications.
To alleviate this book famine, the Marrakesh Treaty was created in 2013.
For a country’s read disabled persons to benefit from it, that country has to ratify the treaty.
ALSO READ : OPINION: ‘Treaty will end ‘book famine’ in SA’
Now, almost six years later, over 60 countries have ratified, including nine African countries – but sadly not our country.
South Africa’s read disabled persons still have to endure the book famine and are deprived access to millions of publications.
Our government’s position on this matter is that the Copyright Amendment Bill first has to be signed before the Marrakesh Treaty can be ratified.
Unfortunately, this has been delayed for years because of a continuous bickering about the bill.
Those opposed to the bill becoming law are aggressively vocal in their spreading misinformation about the bill.
This is based on, at best, a genuine misunderstanding of the provisions of the bill, but, more likely, on deliberate misinterpretation.
Mr President, please do not prolong the book famine of your read disable citizens.
Please do not withhold your signature because of the misinformation spread by those with financial motives based on corporate greed, such as film makers, recording companies and publishers.
Far from taking the bread out of the mouths of authors, musicians, artists and actors, signing the bill would make sure they receive the bread they deserve, but currently often do not receive.
CHRISTO DE KLERK
Chairman, Braille Committee of Blind SA
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