By Rumbidzai Olivia Mubirira
It’s disheartening to see one’s work being taken for granted, but when it becomes a recurring theme, it’s alarming. As a writer, I’ve faced this menace twice – first, when a poet with the surname Mugadza lifted my poem and circulated it as their own, and recently, when Facebook user Milscent Murove copied my story word for word without any acknowledgment.
This trend of plagiarism is not only unethical but also robs creators of their rightful recognition. It’s high time we value originality and give credit where it’s due. In my efforts to engage these two diplomatically, they blocked me on Facebook and all social media platforms.
Blocking me is like admitting guilt. It takes a lot of courage to speak out against plagiarism, and it’s sad to see the perpetrators taking it personally. My work deserves recognition, and it’s great that I’m shedding light on this issue.
“The silence from Mugadza and Murove speaks volumes. Their actions not only undermine the integrity of creative work but also discourage originality. As writers, we pour our hearts into our craft, and it’s disheartening to see it being exploited. It’s time we stand together against plagiarism and promote a culture of respect and appreciation for intellectual property.
Plagiarism and piracy has really affected writers as they can not get what is theirs due to non reasonable individuals. Let’s stand together to protect intellectual property and promote originality. If you’ve faced similar experiences, share your stories and let’s create a wave of awareness.
As Edwin Msipa rightly puts it, “artists die paupers due to those who reap where they don’t sow”. It’s time we value the work of artists and creators, and give them the recognition they deserve.
Filmmaker Angeline Dimingo was once affected by this trend when one Laura Maphosa stole her works and had them published in a local tabloid. This is a wake-up call for all creatives to protect their work and speak out against plagiarism.
Let’s break the silence and stand against plagiarism! Share your stories, use #StopPlagiarism, and let’s create a wave of change! 📢”
News Sport Online 