The celebrimentary was commissioned by A+E Networks UK for the History (DStv 186) channel which broadcast the celebrity-laden documentary on MultiChoice's DStv in February 2013.
Judge Jan Hiemstra said dr. Geoff Heald's court case against the producers can proceed.
Dr. Geoff Heald, a senior lecturer at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) claims that his work was stolen for the self-aggrandizing talking heads documentary.
Miracle Rising - which was filled with self-aggrandizing celebrities who've met Nelson Mandela and who gave their sound bytes while a timeline follows South Africa's political transition to democracy - is according to court documents alleged to be based on a thesis dr. Geoff Heald did at Wits.
Dr. Geoff Heald claims that the idea for the documentary was his idea.
He demands an investigation to the documentary's royalties and also claims an additional R2 million from the production company in compensation. Combined Artistic Productions is also responsible for Carte Blanche on M-Net (DStv 101).
Dr. Geoff Heald says he approached the History Channel in 2006 with the idea and that they referred him to producers Michele Sparkes and Brett Lotriet. Dr. Geoff Heald claims he insisted that his copyright be recognised but according to him Combined Artists said the documentary isn't based on his thesis.
Judge Jan Hiemstra ruled that the case can proceed.
