VMCO Advisory

06/11/2025

Our Managing Director Collen Dlamini had the honour of moderating a critical panel on one of the biggest threats to our creative and sports industries: digital piracy at **OConf2025. The discussion was a powerful call to action for a unified, modernised response to protect South Africa's cultural and economic future. Click link to read full blog 👇

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/saco-conference-panel-urges-decisive-action-stem-digital-d6oif

The evolution of piracy in South Africa has transitioned from traditional forms to unauthorised streaming, social media leaks, and cross-border sharing. This shift has detrimental effects on the creative sector, diminishing income, deterring investment, and weakening local industries.

06/11/2025

06/11/2025

“Piracy isn’t just a legal issue, it’s an economic one that touches every creator, investor, and storyteller in South Africa.”

At the **OConf2025, our Managing Director Collen Dlamini joined Michael Schlesinger (Motion Picture Association - Asia Pacific), Hollis (Adams & Adams), Ntombi Makwetu (Department of Communications & Digital Technologies.), and Kwame Safo (British Council UK) to unpack how digital piracy is reshaping South Africa’s creative and sports industries.

From unauthorised streaming to cross-border sharing, the discussion made one thing clear: protecting creativity means protecting livelihoods. Stronger laws, regional collaboration, and public awareness must work together to stop the growing losses facing broadcasters and artists alike.

As Collen shared, “When we value and protect creativity, we invest in the future of our nation.”

Let’s keep the conversation going, how do we, as an industry, strengthen protection for South Africa’s creative economy?

**OConf2025

05/11/2025

We’re proud to share that our Managing Director, Collen Dlamini, will be moderating at the South African Cultural Observatory Conference 2025.

Creatives invest immense time, skill, and money into their work. If then this property is copied and distributed for free with no consequence, the financial incentive to create new work vanishes. Anti-piracy protects this incentive, ensuring that creation is a viable career.

As a leader in corporate affairs, digital innovation, and strategic communications, Collen continues to champion thought leadership and collaboration across the creative and digital economy sectors.

**OConf2025 **O2025

02/04/2024

We're thrilled to announce our successful facilitation of a pre-launch screening of "Real Estate Sisters," the debut feature film by Totem Zea, in collaboration with The South African Consulate General in New York. The screening, held at the prestigious New York Film Academy, marks a significant milestone for Totem Zea and demonstrates VMCO's commitment to fostering international partnerships in the creative industry.

"Real Estate Sisters" is a local comedy film produced, written, and directed by the multi-award-winning duo Reabetswe Moeti-Vogt and Zoe Ramushu. The film, which had earlier premiered at the Joburg Film Festival, received critical acclaim for its unique storyline and stellar performances.

We're proud to have played a part in bringing this incredible film to audiences worldwide and look forward to more collaborations that showcase the talent and creativity of South African filmmakers.

19/03/2024

We are pleased to share the recent success of VMCO's collaboration with the Copyright Coalition South Africa in navigating the defective Copyright Amendment Bill.

Through the campaign, we incorporated social media management, stakeholder engagement, and strategic PR initiatives. VMCO has played a pivotal role in addressing concerns surrounding the bill.
After the National Assembly initially passed the bill on February 29th, subsequent to our advocacy efforts and discussions within the creative industry, our concerted efforts have yielded significant results. Over the weekend, South Africa’s ruling party has made a public commitment to advise President Cyril Ramaphosa against signing the bill into law.

This outcome highlights VMCO's commitment to advocating for the interests of our stakeholders and the broader creative and cultural industries. We take pride in our team's dedication and the positive impact they have made in shaping legislation affecting countless individuals within the sector.

VMCO remains steadfast in championing the interests of the creative industry and driving positive change through strategic advocacy and engagement

11/03/2024

Last Friday, our director, Collen Dlamini, was invited to participate as a panelist at the recent immersive workshop hosted by the National School of Government. With a focus on "Partnership Experiences with Government: What works and Does not work", Collen offered invaluable insights into "Public and Private Collaboration and Partnerships".

This important conversation will contribute to shaping the dialogue on collaboration between sectors and further enhanced Public and Private Collaboration and Partnerships in South Africa. We extend our gratitude to the National School of Government for their commitment to advancing meaningful partnerships and giving us the opportunity to be part of such a vital platform.