In the world of social media, where content creators reign supreme, the lines between inspiration and appropriation can often blur.
Zethu Gqola, prominently known for her insightful commentary on South African current affairs on TikTok and adored for keeping Mzansi’s people up to date on the news, recently found herself at the centre of a controversy.
This was after her content was utilised in the Showmax documentary titled ‘Tracking Thabo Bester’ without her authorisation.
Below is the trailer used to advertise the documentary, in which Zethu’s content was also included:
In an exclusive interview with DRUM, she opens up about her experience and the impact it has had on her content creation journey.
"It's a little overwhelming and triggering for me," Zethu admits when asked about her reaction to seeing her TikTok content featured in the Thabo Bester documentary without her knowledge.
Zethu expresses her disappointment not only in the unauthorized use of her content but also in the lack of acknowledgment and compensation.
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"It's one thing to use a creator content in your documentary. It's another thing to take advantage of how much of it you use, as well as using those creators in marketing materials," she emphasizes. "I think it's embarrassing. The whole writing team should be embarrassed."
She also shared her views on the documentary and her reaction to frequently seeing her face being used in the documentary.
@zethugqola #stitch with @MackieTv ? original sound - Zethu
Taking a stand against the possible infringement of her rights, Zethu sought legal advice.
While acknowledging the seriousness of copyright laws, she notes that Showmax removed her from their marketing material following the backlash.
However, she remains vigilant about protecting creators' rights, especially in the face of impending legislative changes like the copyright amendment bill.
Here's another video in which she explains the implications of the Copyright Amendment Bill:
@zethugqola South Africa’s new Copyright Amendment Bill. #tiktoknews #southafrica #cyrilramaphosa #copyright ? original sound - Zethu
The ordeal has undeniably left its mark on Zethu's approach to content creation.
"Absolutely, absolutely," she affirms when Drum asks.
Turning her focus away from South African news, Zethu has shifted towards content that doesn't directly involve current affairs.
"I have shifted more towards content I didn't specifically make, like fashion, as well as more towards American pop culture-style content," she reveals. "In all honesty, this whole situation has made me sour."
Reflecting on the support she received from her followers during the ordeal, Zethu acknowledges the emotional toll it took when she had to clarify her non-involvement in the documentary.
"A lot of my followers came out and congratulated me. I had to come out and tell them I was never approached, that I was never asked to do material, I had nothing to do with it," she shares.
Read More | Tiktoker Zethu Gqola hopes to encourage voting next year with her informative TikToks
As the upcoming elections loom on the horizon, Zethu is wary of the potential misuse of her content for political gain. "I can't imagine how far and wide my content will be used and inappropriately as well," she expresses.
"And the last thing I want is to be used and taken out of context to someone else's gain."
When asked for comment on the matter, Showmax responded as follow:
“Showmax’s Tracking Thabo Bester documentary series provides a fascinating look at the allegations against Thabo Bester and Nandipha Magudumana.
“The High Court recently upheld the public’s right to watch the Tracking Thabo Bester documentary following last-minute applications by Thabo Bester and Nandipha Magadumana to stop Showmax from airing it.
“The selection of social media clips was an important addition to the documentary as they capture how the case became a national conversation. These clips were all obtained by the producers of the series from publicly accessible social media platforms.
“The use of the clips constitutes fair dealing in terms of the Copyright Act, 98 of 1978 and the same rules would apply to other publicly accessible content.
“The producers ensured that the creators of the clips were clearly credited on screen in the documentary.”
Showmax refused to provide further comment about the backlash they have been receiving on social media.
