While piracy is escalating and negatively affecting profitability of careers in the arts industry, it is a major cash cow for the vendors, who operate mainly in Johannesburg.
Pirated compact discs and DVDs sell for between R5 and R10. This is way below the R100 at which an original CD or DVD is priced.
Running battles between the city’s police and Zimbabwean vendors is now a common sight on the streets.
One vendor, who only identified himself as Thulani, said he was aware piracy was a crime but unemployment had forced him into selling pirated music material.
“I am aware of that but there is nothing much I can do as the trade brings food to the table. Sometimes I get enough to send back home,” he said beside his makeshift stall in Berea.
Metro Police officials this week warned that the illicit traders face heavy fines.
“The vendors should be warned. We will, in the coming weeks, be out in full force. Piracy is a serious crime and as law enforcers, we will see to it that whoever is involved in such acts will be dealt with,” said one official.
Vendors can be fined up to R300 for trading in pirated material, but such penalties have not deterred the traders.
“The vendors are being let off lightly. Piracy is a serious cancer around the world and governments are not doing enough to effect stringent measures that would deter anyone from engaging in such trade. As a result, the arts industry’s profitability is being compromised,” said Collen Ncube, a Johannesburg-based socio-economic commentator.
Post published in: Arts