KZN MEC Khawula Calls for Safeguarding Artists’ Rights Amid AI Boom at G20 Culture Meeting in Zimbali
Durban, South Africa – 28 October 2025 – KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Mntomuhle Khawula, has called on world leaders to protect the intellectual property and moral rights of artists as artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes the creative world. Speaking at the opening of the fourth G20 Culture Working Group (CWG) meeting in Zimbali on Monday, Khawula highlighted how culture drives growth and jobs, while warning of AI’s risks. The event, part of South Africa’s G20 presidency, brings together ministers and experts to push for fair, green, and inclusive development under the theme “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability”. With Africa in the spotlight, Khawula positioned KZN as a key hub for trade and innovation, urging partnerships to unlock the continent’s potential.
This gathering marks a big moment for South Africa as it hosts the G20 in 2025, with the main summit set for Johannesburg on 18-19 November. As digital tools like AI grow, the talks focus on balancing tech advances with rights for creators, especially in fast-changing fields like music, film, and design.
Background to the G20 Culture Working Group Meeting
The fourth CWG meeting runs from 27 to 28 October 2025 at The Capital Zimbali Hotel in Ballito, KZN, with a ministerial session on 29 October. Hosted by South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, it builds on the group’s start in 2020 as a lasting G20 forum. The CWG aims to make culture a key part of sustainable growth, boost creative jobs, and guard heritage worldwide.
A side event on 24 October at the Luthuli Museum looked at economic and digital rights in creative fields. Experts discussed fair pay, copyright, social security, and ethical AI use. Panels covered national reforms, streaming fairness, gender gaps, and green practices. This ties into UNESCO’s work on AI in culture, stressing research on how tech affects creators’ rights.
South Africa’s role as G20 chair from 1 December 2024 puts focus on Africa’s voice, with KZN chosen for its mix of old traditions and new ideas. Attendees include ministers from G20 nations, UNESCO and African Union reps, diplomats, and local leaders like eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba.
Key Points from MEC Khawula’s Speech
In his address, Khawula welcomed guests to the “Kingdom of the Zulu”, pointing to the King Shaka statue at the airport as a symbol of strong leadership. He praised KZN’s diverse people as a living story of South Africa’s strength.
Khawula stressed culture’s role in growth: “Cultural and creative sectors are among the fastest-growing in the global economy – contributing significantly to global Gross Domestic Product and employing millions of young people across the world. These sectors are not peripheral to development; they are central to how nations innovate, how communities’ express identity, and how economies diversify.”
On AI, he said it offers endless chances for new ideas but brings tough issues: “While AI has brought boundless opportunities for creativity and innovation, the MEC said it also poses new and complex challenges. But the challenges that confront our nations and our sector may also be looked upon as opportunities for new inroads, new frontiers and new bridges.” He urged guarding artists’ work in this digital shift.
Khawula called KZN a doorway to SADC and Africa for trade and culture swaps: “As global partners look to Africa, we invite you to see our province and South Africa not merely as a destination, but as a dynamic springboard for regional collaboration and creative trade.”
He highlighted Africa’s riches, from minerals to schools like the University of Timbuktu and Fort Hare, where leaders like Nelson Mandela studied. Spots like Victoria Falls and Egypt’s pyramids draw visitors, boosting jobs and ties.
AI Challenges and Opportunities for Creatives
AI’s rise worries artists worldwide about stolen ideas and lost pay. UNESCO’s expert group calls for rules on AI in culture, pushing research on how it hits creators’ rights. G20 talks note digital platforms and AI raise IP concerns, needing better protection.
In creative fields, AI can make art, music, and stories fast, but often uses others’ work without credit. This threatens jobs in film, design, and more. Khawula sees chances: use AI ethically to grow, like in gaming or digital tales, while keeping human touch.
South Africa’s Copyright Amendment Bill aims to fix this, giving artists better shields. Global groups like BRICS also focus on AI copyright.
KZN’s Push for African Development
Khawula spotlighted cultural tourism as a growth tool: “Cultural and heritage tourism is not just about preserving history – it is about translating heritage into opportunity.” Sites like the Valley of the Zulu Kings (burial place of seven kings), Drakensberg Mountains (UNESCO site with rock art), Ohlange Institute (where Mandela voted in 1994), and Sibhudu Cave (ancient human site) are becoming learning and tourism hubs.
He backed the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), covering 55 nations to boost trade. This could add billions to Africa’s economy by easing goods flow.
Khawula urged fair deals with G20 countries, building a “prosperous Africa open for business”. Partnerships in film, music, and fashion can link creative chains worldwide.
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