Readers gain an immediate exception
The court gave Parliament 24 months to remedy the constitutional defect and introduced a temporary exception. The International Publishers Association explained that the ruling concerned particular provisions, rather than invalidating the whole Copyright Act. It covered accessible copies of published literary works and artistic works contained within them. [3]
Campaigners describe what the ruling means
Blind SA chief executive Jace Nair said: "We are ecstatic that we have a judgment that provides for the exceptions that we have been advocating for so long." Publishers Association of South Africa chair Brian Wafarowa welcomed the ruling and called for cooperation between publishers and representatives of readers with visual disabilities. [2]
A later case closes another legal gap
The temporary remedy expired in September 2024 without replacement legislation. After another application by Blind SA, the court granted interim protection in December. On 7 May 2025, it ordered a revised copyright exception to remain effective until remedial legislation entered into force, including safeguards for lawful access and non-profit activity. [3]