THE Southern African Music Rights Organisation (Samro) is finally making moves to change its rules after years of pressure from artists.
The organisation announced that it is reviewing and amending its Memorandum of Incorporation (MoI) in consultation with its members.
This process followed after musicians raised concerns over governance and fairness within the organisation.
In November 2025, musicians took to the streets of Joburg, marching to demand urgent changes to Samro's governance structures. One of their main calls was for the suspension of the current MoI until proper consultation with members takes place.
Interim chairman of Samro, Sisa Mayekiso, confirmed in a statement that representatives have already been elected to serve on the MoI Review Task Team, which will drive the process of rewriting the organisation's rulebook.
The board has also introduced independent leadership by appointing Terry Tselane, executive chairman at the Institute of Election Management Services in Africa, as the independent external chairperson of the task team.
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"Samro is currently undertaking a comprehensive review and amendment of its Memorandum of Incorporation (MoI), in full consultation with its members. Over the past few months, the organisation has facilitated a member-driven process through which Composer and Publisher representatives were elected to serve on the MoI Review Task Team, ensuring inclusive and representative participation," the statement read.
Mayekiso said the aim is to ensure the process is inclusive and driven by members themselves, especially composers and publishers who have long raised concerns about how decisions are made and how royalties are distributed.
"As this work progresses, we are aware that external narratives or media coverage may emerge that could misrepresent or undermine the intent of the Task Team and the Independent Chairperson, including, at times, commentary that may be considered frivolous or aimed at detracting from the integrity of the process.
"We encourage all stakeholders to rely on official communications and verified information. The organisation remains firmly committed to a process grounded in transparency, integrity, and sound governance," Mayekiso said.
