SA: SAMRO introduces one-off application fee for new members

This is the first time the CMO is introducing this type of payment, which will be used to cover the administration costs of processing new membership applications. The non-refundable application fee for first-time applicants is not applicable to current SAMRO members. The fee will be R100 (about $5) for composers and authors and R500 for publishers, starting 1 June.

SAMRO says it experienced a significant increase in the number of new member applications in the past few years, with 10 000 new applications received in 2018. Since then, the organisation has experienced growth, with an average of 20 000 registrations per year.

“We have seen a spike in applications, which places additional pressure on the organisation and existing members who have to carry the costs of this influx of new members,” SAMRO CEO Annabell Lebethe said. “The organisation’s resources, both time and money, directed at processing and registering new members, represents a considerable opportunity cost to existing SAMRO members.

“The once-off fee is nominal, and it will alleviate the burden from current SAMRO members. We are not attempting to dissuade musicians from becoming members but rather fulfilling our duty to guarantee that our existing members receive the most benefit and efficient service from SAMRO.”

SAMRO administers performing rights on behalf of its members – including music composers, authors and publishers – and currently represents more than 170 000 members. Of these, about 24 000 (14%) are earning members (associate and full members), meaning that 14% of its members are covering the administration costs of processing new member applications.

Meanwhile, SAMRO last month launched a new website with comprehensive information and an improved user experience. The website was designed to help potential and existing members, licensees and various stakeholders to better understand SAMRO’s business. The site was optimised for ease of navigation, making it easy for users to access the desired information.

“SAMRO's website has undergone a significant overhaul and features simplified terminology that is easier to comprehend,” SAMRO said. “The Music Creator section has also received a modern update. Moreover, the Member Benefits section provides concise summaries of the Retirement Annuity and Funeral Benefit subsections.”

The new website can be accessed here.