SA: Composers’ association closes down

The organisation’s executive committee was comprised composers who volunteered.

“Being working musicians, it has always been difficult to keep CASA going but the energy and dedication prevailed for almost 14 years,” CASA said on Twitter. “Sadly, this effort could not be sustained and CASA will now be shut down.”

CASA, which was established in 2004, said it had exhausted its search for an executive committee to succeed the current one.

“Efforts were made in the past to recruit new executive committee members by asking for nominations from the broader CASA membership and also recruiting individuals who could serve on the CASA executive committee. Unfortunately those efforts did not yield any results that could take CASA forward,” it said

The South African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO), which worked closely with CASA, expressed gratitude for CASA's contribution to the South African music industry.

“The work done by CASA and its leaders over the years has hugely benefitted the members of the community of composers in South Africa, knowingly and unknowingly. It is a sad day indeed. We thank you,” SAMRO said in a tweet.

CASA’s central role was to promote composers to create and publish their works in southern Africa. The organisation further provided advice and information about composers’ rights within the South African legal framework. It also fostered a culture of collaboration between composers.

“Unfortunate as the closing down of CASA might be, we do feel CASA has helped many composers by contributing significantly towards empowering music creators with information and knowledge,” a CASA statement reads.

“We therefore make this decision believing that CASA’s chapter has reached the end. CASA will be remembered for having made a positive contribution to the creative sector.”

The organisation also acknowledged the executive committee members who had served in the past.

“We thank all of those who have served on the executive committee over the years. You have provided a unique service to professionals as well as aspiring composers. We also thank all our members who have supported our efforts,” CASA said.