“The VUT Library’s copyright awareness campaign highlighted the shared responsibility of protecting intellectual property and using information lawfully.”
25 August 2026 | Story by: Sadiki Siphiwe | Picture: Sifiso Nomzaza
2 minutes read time.
The Vaal University of Technology (VUT) Library brought copyright, intellectual property and compliance into sharper focus during a Copyright Awareness Campaign held in the Library Training Room on 20 August 2026.
The campaign reminded staff and students that copyright is not solely a legal or Library matter. It affects teaching, learning, research, innovation, digitisation and the everyday use and sharing of information across the University.
Opening the programme, Ms Judith Busi Ngcobo, Manager of Technical Services at the VUT Library, encouraged the University community to understand its responsibilities when reproducing, digitising and sharing information.
“Copyright awareness is not only about knowing what we are not allowed to do; it is about empowering ourselves to use knowledge responsibly while respecting the rights, creativity and intellectual contributions of others,” she said.
Mr Thabo Kgole, Acting Senior Manager of the Technology Transfer Office (TTO), discussed intellectual property, innovation and commercialisation. He explained that universities must identify valuable research outputs, protect intellectual property and create pathways through which ideas can generate practical and societal impact.
“Knowledge created at a university has value beyond the classroom. Our responsibility is to recognise that value, protect it appropriately and create pathways through which innovation can move from an idea into real-world impact,” he said.
Mr Kwena Moabelo, Manager of Copyright at the VUT Library, focused on the practical management of copyrighted material. He cautioned that being able to access material online does not automatically give someone permission to reproduce, distribute or share it.
“Access and permission are not always the same thing, and understanding that difference is fundamental to responsible information use,” he said.
The campaign also distinguished between plagiarism and copyright infringement. Plagiarism concerns academic honesty and the failure to acknowledge another person’s work, while copyright infringement relates to the unauthorised use of protected material.
Proper acknowledgement may address plagiarism, but it does not necessarily provide permission to reproduce a copyrighted work.
Mr Dutch Matlaletsa, VUT Compliance Manager, stressed that compliance protects the University from legal, financial and reputational risk. He urged staff and students to consider whether they have the necessary authority before copying, uploading, sharing or digitising material.
The discussions encouraged the University community to use licensed resources and approved teaching platforms, acknowledge sources correctly and seek guidance when uncertain. The VUT Copyright and Digitisation Office supports staff and students with permissions, lawful use, digitisation and related copyright matters.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Dr Musa Khomo, Manager of Client Services at the VUT Library, urged participants to apply what they had learnt in their daily work.
The campaign’s central message was clear: protecting intellectual property and using information responsibly require the commitment of the entire VUT community.