Fassie royalty matter to be resolved out of court

The legal matter between the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) and the executor of Brenda Fassie's estate is to be dealt with out of court, following an agreement reached on Monday, 16 February 2009. In the Johannesburg High Court, Acting Judge GL Bhikha issued a court order ratifying an accord between the two parties that they would strive to resolve the matter out of court.

This process will involve independent experts in the fields of accounting and law to determine whether SAMRO rendered proper accounting to Fassie, in line with its rules.

Once the independent experts have investigated the issues in question, their deductions will be discussed before another legal expert in order to arrive at a conclusion on the matter.

The acting judge commended both parties for agreeing to pursue the matter privately, avoiding a protracted court battle.

Yavi Madurai, SAMRO's general manager: marketing, has welcomed the latest development as a step in the right direction.

“We are delighted by this acceptance of our recommendation which was made at the beginning of the trial on Wednesday, and we are optimistic that an acceptable resolution will emerge ” she said.