SAMRO suspends COO over internal investigation

In a statement, SAMRO said the decision followed preliminary findings indicating possible internal transgressions. The organisation dismissed claims that the suspension was retaliatory, saying it was standard procedure to allow an impartial investigation to proceed without interference.

“SAMRO has an obligation to protect the interests of both the employee and the organisation in this regard,” the statement read.

The organisation said recommendations from a forensic report, as well as ongoing criminal investigations, were continuing without disruption.

“SAMRO takes seriously its obligation to ensure remedial actions and investigations continue without fear or favour until their just and final outcomes,” the statement added.

SAMRO was established in 1961 to protect the intellectual property of composers and authors, and to ensure their work is properly credited both locally and internationally. The organisation is the principal representative of music performing rights in Southern Africa and also administers mechanical rights.

SAMRO plays a key role in managing musical works, distributing royalties, and promoting copyright law for the benefit of composers and authors. It collects licence fees from television and radio broadcasters, in-store radio services, pubs, clubs, retailers, restaurants, and other businesses that play music publicly.

The organisation also administers Needletime Rights, which entitle musicians to receive payment for the commercial use of their recorded performances.