Eswatini’s creatives deserve more than dreams

 By Mrs M 

Today, the world salutes World Book and Copyright Day, a day of recognition, reflection, and reckoning. In Eswatini, a chorus of creatives gathered not just to observe, but to demand. 

Writers, musicians, sound engineers, poets all came together under this year’s national theme: ‘The Role of Literature in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)’ and its sub-theme: ‘Empowering Eswatini Creatives, Unlocking Royalties.’

But make no mistake beneath the applause was a slow, simmering frustration. Yes, this day celebrates the power of literature and copyright, but for many Eswatini creatives, copyright remains a promise unfulfilled, a mirage dressed in policy language, blurred by bureaucracy and broken systems.

Let’s start with the basics: copyright is not a privilege. It’s the foundation of fair artistic exchange. It protects authors and creators from exploitation and ensures that their work and their intellectual property generates income long after the applause fades.

And yet, creatives are still waiting. Still begging for basic respect. Still wondering if their work will ever pay off beyond applause and hollow praise.

During a recent workshop titled ‘Rights Holder Workshop on Copyright’ held at Hilton Garden Inn, the Society’s Executive Director, Mmeli Hlanze, announced bold plans: the acceleration of royalty tracking, the establishment of a development fund, and even funeral coverage for members.

Commendable? Absolutely, believable? That’s where things get tricky. Hlanze was refreshingly honest. He admitted that established Collective Management Organizations (CMOs) can take up to five years to make their first royalty distribution. 

He vowed Eswatini wouldn’t follow that same delayed path, he also tempered expectations. Hlanze highlighted it wouldn’t be right for them to propose a time frame but they are all putting reality on the table. A reality that, if we’re being honest, smells a lot like déjà vu.

Artists have heard promises before, they have seen frameworks launched, only for artists to die broke, buried by dreams never cashed in.

 While the idea of a funeral fund for artists is noble, it also screams irony. Why must we wait until death to give artists dignity?

There’s a dangerous cycle here, policies made without implementation, legislation without teeth, and cultural programs that celebrate creators only on commemorative days. Where is the aggressive, ongoing investment in creative infrastructure?

Where are the laws that protect digital rights and streaming revenue? Where are the public sector payments for performances and usage of local work?

Artists cannot be fed press releases while their stomachs are empty. You can’t build a creative economy on vibes and vague promises.

Let’s not pretend this is a one-sided problem. Creatives must meet the moment. You can’t afford to sit back and wait for salvation. Know your rights. Demand contracts. Register your work. Build your brand like it’s a business because it is.

Laziness is not a creative trait, and ignorance is no longer an excuse. The world is changing and the industry is evolving. Unfortunately if you're not ready, you will be left behind brilliant, but broken.

The Registrar of the IP Office, represented by Cebsile Magagula, nailed it, there’s a lack of IP knowledge and a lack of the right IP knowledge. Until artists equip themselves with both, even the best systems will fail them.

The role of literature and music in achieving Sustainable Development Goals is not theoretical, it's factual. When authors write about climate change, corruption, or gender-based violence, they educate.

 When musicians express grief, love, and resistance, they inspire. This is a cultural power policy in poetic form if you like.

We need to hold both parties accountable, the State must stop selling untouchable dreams and start funding tangible change.

Artists must stop waiting for rescue and start organizing with intent.

Because in the end, royalties aren’t just about money. They’re about recognition, justice, and survival. Eswatini’s creative class is not asking for favours. They’re demanding fairness.

They don’t want handouts. They want what they’ve earned,they don't want to die as legends, they want to live as professionals.

And until both the government and the creatives themselves rise to this moment, we’ll keep gathering once a year, lighting candles for a dream that refuses to burn bright.