BlindSA takes government to court over delayed Marrakesh Treaty accession

BlindSA, represented by SECTION27, has asked the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria to challenge the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition’s decision to delay South Africa’s accession to the Marrakesh Treaty until the Copyright Amendment Bill becomes law. The treaty allows participating countries to exchange books in Braille, audio and accessible digital formats for people with print disabilities. BlindSA estimates that only 1% to 7% of published works are available in accessible formats, leaving students without essential resources and forcing organisations to duplicate costly work. President Christo de Klerk says the delay is legally unnecessary following a Constitutional Court ruling in May 2025.