BACKGROUND CONT.

The next step took us to the Constitutional Court. The highest court in the country had to assess the unconstitutionality of the Copyright Act and decide whether or not to confirm the High Court order according to standard procedure. At a hearing on 10 May 2022, Blind SA and SECTION27 again argued the unconstitutionality of the Copyright Act before 9 judges, and explained the need for immediate relief to improve access to books for people who are blind.

On 21 September 2022, the Constitutional Court delivered a unanimous judgment confirming that the Copyright Act is unconstitutional for violating the rights of persons with disabilities – a victory for communities of blind and visually impaired people across South Africa! This judgment has paved the way for ending the book famine for persons who are blind and visually impaired, and will vastly and immediately improve availability of books in accessible formats.