Johannesburg, South Africa — A growing debate has erupted in South Africa’s music sector after reports revealed that board members of the Southern African Music Rights Organization (SAMRO) — the body tasked with overseeing royalties and protecting musicians’ rights — are earning R125,000 per meeting.

The revelation has sparked criticism from musicians, industry observers, and governance watchdogs, who argue that the payouts highlight a worrying disconnect between leadership structures and the realities faced by working artists.

“We’re still struggling to get fair and timely royalty payments, while board members pocket six-figure sums in a single sitting,” said one Johannesburg-based musician, speaking on condition of anonymity.