[8] SAMRO began operations in January 1962 with 40 South African composers and 13 music publishers, taking over from the UK royalty collecting society PRS.
In March 2014, SAMRO announced the transfer of its mechanical rights licensing operation to CAPASSO (Composers Authors and Publishers Association), as recommended by the 2012 Copyright Review Commission Report.
[17][18] In 2012, SAMRO commemorated its 50th anniversary with a series of events, including the Builders' Awards, which recognised musicians, staff members and others who had contributed to the organisation over the years.
[19] David "Strike" Vilakazi, Princess Constance Magogo Ka Dinizulu Buthelezi, Mzilikazi Khumalo, Dorothy Masuka, and SAMRO founder Gideon Roos Snr were all recipients of the awards.
[26] SAMRO is involved in CISAC initiatives in Africa, including projects affiliated with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO),[27] and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
Sipho Mabuse, Sibongile Khumalo, Loyiso Bala, Arthur Mafokate, Relebogile Mabotja, Gabi Le Roux, Jack Jeremiah Mnisi, Rowlin Naicker, Jordaan Niemand, John Edmond and Jeanne Zaidel-Rudolph were alleged to be implicated in the irregular expenditure.