MultiChoice Namibia's Bold Move to Combat Content Piracy

In a bold and decisive move to safeguard the future of the creative sector, MultiChoice Namibia, in collaboration with the Business and Intellectual Property Authority (BIPA), the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), the Namibia Film Commission (NFC), and Co-Creation Hub (CCHub), has unveiled a pan-African initiative known as Partners Against Piracy (PAP). This initiative aims to tackle one of the most pressing issues in the creative industry: content piracy.

Uniting Against Piracy

The launch event was a significant gathering of industry leaders and experts who are committed to combating piracy. Claudia Capelao, the NIPDB Manager of MSME Ecosystem Optimization, shed light on the far-reaching economic implications of piracy and the ongoing efforts to advocate for stronger laws and better enforcement to deter such activities.

“Piracy results in a massive financial drain on the creative economy, affecting not just the creators but the entire support ecosystem,” Capelao emphasized. “It is a significant threat, but with collective effort and innovative solutions, it can be combated. Protecting entrepreneurs and the creative industry is crucial for preserving cultural heritage and ensuring future growth.”

Expert Insights

The event featured a panel discussion with several prominent figures, including Yolanda Kalenga, Chief Legal Officer at the Office of the Attorney-General, and Ainna Kaundu, BIPA Intellectual Property Executive. They were joined by Wycliffe Kauuova, MultiChoice Namibia Field Services and Piracy Officer, Efraim Vilho, CCHub Community Manager, and Hertha Katjivena, Namibia Film Commission Media Officer.

Ainna Kaundu brought a critical perspective to the discussion, highlighting the ethical dimension of piracy. “The reason that we are able to watch free movies or distribute music on platforms such as WhatsApp is not necessarily because of technology, but because our moral compass does not tell us that something is wrong with this,” she noted. “In a global setting, there is a gravitation towards seeing piracy as a serious crime. This is not just about unauthorized usage or distribution of content – it takes away the incentive of one having to invest in creativity.”

The Broader Impact

Piracy doesn’t just hit the pocketbooks of big studios or artists; it strikes at the heart of the creative community. Every pirated stream or download disrupts the production value chain, threatening the livelihoods of everyone involved, from scriptwriters to set designers. Efraim Vilho, Community Manager at CCHub, underscored this point, stressing the importance of ethical content consumption to sustain the creative industry.

“Every start-up thrives on innovation and creativity. That’s how they survive. Piracy poses a threat. Startups need to understand that the unauthorized sharing of products in the market affects your market competitiveness and leads to revenue loss. Protect your intellectual property,” Vilho urged.

A Call to Action

The event closed with a powerful message from MultiChoice Namibia Managing Director, Roger Gertze, who thanked all partners for their insights and contributions. “MultiChoice, as an industry leader, recognizes the profound impact of such partnerships and their ability to connect diverse audiences on a global scale,” Gertze said.

As the world eagerly anticipates the kickoff of EURO 2024, with MultiChoice proudly standing as the official broadcast partner, the timing of this initiative couldn't be more poignant. It serves as a reminder of the critical role that ethical content consumption plays in supporting the dreams and jobs of countless individuals in the creative industry.

Conclusion

The launch of Partners Against Piracy marks a significant step forward in the fight against content piracy. By uniting industry leaders, legal experts, and the broader community, this initiative aims to protect and preserve the creative sector for future generations. The message is clear: ethical content consumption is not just a legal obligation, but a moral imperative that ensures the sustainability and growth of our cultural heritage.