2006 sees the launch of an artist-initiated music anti-piracy campaign aimed at eradicating this multi-billion rand illegal business.

Called Operation Dudula, the campaign will be launched on April 24 with marches in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth and Polokwane. It is spearheaded by recording artist, anti-apartheid activist and poet, Mzwakhe Mbuli, and the Concerned Musicians organisation.

The impetus for the launch of Operation Dudula comes from the lack of impact all previous campaigns against music piracy have had on this economic crime that sees artists, composers, musicians, record companies and others lose billions as a result of counterfeit CDs, DVDs and cassettes that flood the South African market.

“It is time for this criminal behaviour to stop,” says Mbuli. “This is not only infringement of copyright material, it is also economic theft and I am appealing to all proud and patriotic South Africans to stand with us in this fight for the very life of our industry. On your marks, get set, ready, GO. Run Criminals Run!”

In an important move, several key taxi management bodies have throw their weight behind Operation Dudula and major steps to rid taxi ranks of pirated music will be announced before the provincial taxi Imbizo. Support is also coming from regional radio, including Kaya FM.

Operation Dudula is supported by Concerned Musicians; Gauteng MEC for Arts, Culture and Recreation Barbara Creecy, Transport Minister Jeff Radebe South African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO); South African Music Promoters’ Association (SAMPA); South African Recording Rights Association Ltd. (SARRAL); SABC Special Assignment; South African Roadies Association (SARA); Department of Sports, Recreation, Arts & Culture; Performing Arts Workers Equity (PAWE); Crime Intelligence Agency (CIA); South African Federation Against Copyright Theft (SAFACT); Reliable Music Warehouse; Khaya FM; Recoding Industry of South Africa (RISA); Sunday Sun; Daily Sun; NAFCOC; Sowetan; Ukhozi FM; Thobela FM; Lesedi FM; Top Six Taxi Management; Transport Minister Jeff Hadebe; MEC Barbara Creecy; SAPS; and others.