Welcoming the media and guests at the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) funded World Intellectual Property Day media launch on 16 April 2025, the University’s Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Nokuthula Sibiya, told the attendees of the importance of intellectual property in the economy, and on a personal level to those that create things. The theme for the 2025 edition of the annual event is “Intellectual Property and Music – Feel the beat.” The aim is to highlight the critical role that Intellectual Property (IP) plays in South Africa’s dynamic music industry, which has experienced remarkable growth in recent years. Professor Sibiya gave the musicians a commitment that MUT and its partners would protect the artists from being exploited for their inventions. Prof Sibiya was adding to what other speakers had said about how artists are treated. The university has an office that deals with IP-related issues.
The exploitation of musicians is very rife in South Africa, mainly because the artists lack the required knowledge to protect their inventions. Professor Sibiya said that it was important for the musicians to consider their artistic innovations as a form of business that would allow them “to put food of the table. I come to MUT every day to earn a living that allows me to feed my family. The musicians should consider their innovations the same way,” said Professor Sibiya, who is known for encouraging students to invent their businesses even before they graduate from the University.
The musicians appreciated the messages from the speakers. Mbali Malimela, a poet and singer, working with the Mthuthu Music band, said she learnt from the event. Malimela described the event as a “mind-opening event” that taught her, as an artist, essential things to note about what she does and how to protect it. Speakers from different sectors shared great insights with us. We believe this will be very useful from now onwards,” Malimela said. Malimela recited a poem and sang with the band at the event. The band’s performance had everyone on their feet; some speakers quoted it as an inspiration that makes life a bit easier. This is the same sentiment that the late Stimela lead singer, Ray Phiri, said music was like a dream that makes life a little easier.