Reprographic Rights Boss Speaks Out on Collective Management Role

By Tendai Chisiri

The Reprographic Rights Organisation of Zimbabwe (RROZ) has defended its legitimacy amid criticism and misconceptions about its role in protecting authors’ and publishers’ rights.

In an interview, RROZ CEO Antony Rimau explained that the organisation is a Collective Management Organisation (CMO) established to ensure fair compensation for creators and publishers of copyrighted works.

“Like what ZIMURA and ZICCO does for musicians, RROZ does for publishers, writers, and content creators,” Rimau said.

RROZ licenses entities reproducing copyrighted works, such as copyshops, libraries, and educational institutions, and distributes royalties to its members.

Established under Zimbabwe’s Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act, RROZ has an eight-member board representing authors, publishers, teachers, and publishing houses.

Rimau highlighted achievements, including registration with the International Reprographic Rights Organisation and affiliation with the international platform.

“We are combating piracy, licensing copy shops, libraries, and educational institutions, and sustaining ourselves through licensing fees,” Rimau said.

The organisation is calling on writers and authors to register as members to start collecting royalties.

“Only members can benefit from collected money. Non-members benefit when they fight piracy,” Rimau stressed.

RROZ works with the police to combat piracy, with vendors selling reproduced books facing fines of $100-$200 or 4 months in prison.

The organisation’s role is to protect secondary rights, ensuring authors are paid royalties when their works are reproduced or borrowed.

Rimau urged creators to join RROZ, emphasizing that it’s a collective effort to protect their rights.