UNTERHALTER AJ
responds that, to the extent that there may be any doubt as to what is meant by
“accessible format copy” and “person with a disability”, regard may be had to the
relevant definitions in the Marrakesh Treaty. Additionally, Blind SA says that regard
may be had to the treatment of unfair discrimination on the basis of disability in various
decisions of our courts as also how disability is defined in other statutes.
[27]
Alternatively, Blind SA submits that this Court could, using its powers in terms
of section 172(1)(b) of the Constitution, make a just and equitable order that the two
phrases, when used in section 19D, bear particular meanings, either as defined in the
CAB, or in the Marrakesh Treaty. Or in its order, this Court could also read-in the new
proposed statutory definitions of “accessible format copy” and “person with a
disability”.
[28]
Blind SA contends that section 19D is not controversial, that the reading-in
remedy is effective and operable and that the proposed remedy is not at odds with the
Marrakesh Treaty and other international instruments. Blind SA says that the proposed
reading-in remedy would be effective and operable, because multiple state parties to the
Marrakesh Treaty do not define the scope of works to which accessible format shifting
applies within their individual domestic copyright statutes. Therefore, section 19D is
not an outlier. Furthermore, even in the absence of the definitions of “accessible format
copy”, “persons with disabilities” and “a person who serves persons with disabilities”,
the remedy is not vague because section 233 of the Constitution requires that, where
reasonably possible, legislation must be interpreted in a manner consistent with binding
international law.
First respondent’s submissions
[29]
The Minister does not oppose the confirmation of the declaration of invalidity.
The Minister only makes submissions in favour of the suspension of the declaration of
invalidity to assist this Court to determine the appropriate remedy. The Minister
submitted that while it is true that no particular concern has been raised regarding the
constitutionality of section 19D, concerns have been raised as to whether the section
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