Sol Plaatje University (SPU) joined the global community in commemorating World Intellectual Property (WIP) Day under the theme “IP and Music: Feel the Beat of IP.” Hosted by the SPU Research Office on 30 April 2025, the event reinforced the University’s commitment to academic visibility, student development and innovation – strategic objectives driving SPU’s 2025-2029 vision.
WIP Day highlights the transformative role of intellectual property (IP) in supporting creativity, entrepreneurship and knowledge generation. This year’s commemoration blended legal insight with artistic expression, amplifying SPU’s role as a catalyst for intellectual and cultural development in the Northern Cape Province and beyond.
Welcoming participants, Prof Luvuyo Ntombana, Director of the Research Office, and Ms Monica Boland, Research Office Manager, spoke to the global and institutional relevance of the event. “The celebration yearly highlights how all the different IP rights – patents, trademarks, copyrights and designs – contribute to the world globally,” said Ms Boland. Their remarks echoed SPU’s vision of becoming a research-engaged institution that empowers its students and staff to innovate meaningfully.
The keynote address was delivered by Ms Amina Suliman, trademark and copyright attorney and partner at Adams and Adams Law Firm. She provided actionable insights for artists and students on how to protect and commercialise their creative works. “IP is an asset that you can leverage, commercialise and generate income from. It’s not just about creating the work – it’s about protecting and valuing it,” she said. Her talk deepened awareness of the link between intellectual property and long-term sustainability for careers in the creative economy.
Celebrated poet Mr Mogale Sedibe enriched the programme with a powerful live performance and personal reflections on navigating IP issues in the arts. His contribution underscored the importance of ownership, recognition and legal knowledge in preserving the integrity of creative expression.
The event also showcased emerging SPU talent through a series of student-led musical performances that captured the spirit of the theme. These contributions offered students a platform to express their creativity while reinforcing their understanding of IP rights – an important part of shaping an enriching student experience.
In her closing remarks, Mrs Anthea Poss acknowledged all participants and encouraged further engagement with IP across academic disciplines. “As a university that values knowledge creation, cultural expression, and regional innovation, we remain committed to helping our students and staff navigate and maximise the benefits of intellectual property,” she said.
This commemoration marked more than a celebration – it affirmed SPU’s dedication to creating an enabling environment where talent, knowledge and innovation intersect in ways that advance both individual growth and institutional impact.
