In South Africa, copyright law provides protection to photographers and their original works, including photographs. Here are some key points regarding copyright infringement of photography in South Africa:

Copyright Protection:
The Copyright Act, 1978 (Act No. 98 of 1978), governs copyright law in South Africa. According to this law, copyright protection arises automatically upon the creation of an original photograph, granting the photographer exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, display, and license their work.

Infringement:
Copyright infringement occurs when someone uses a copyrighted photograph without the permission of the photographer or the copyright owner. Examples of infringement include reproducing the photograph, publishing it without authorization, or using it for commercial purposes without a license.

Duration of Protection:
Copyright protection in South Africa lasts for the lifetime of the photographer plus 50 years after their death. After this period, the work falls into the public domain and can be freely used by the public.

Exceptions and Fair Dealing:
South African copyright law recognizes certain exceptions, such as fair dealing, which allows limited use of copyrighted works for specific purposes, such as criticism, review, news reporting, research, and private use. However, the use must be fair and not harm the legitimate interests of the copyright owner.

Remedies for Infringement:
If a photographer’s copyright is infringed, they have the right to seek legal remedies. These may include obtaining an injunction to stop the unauthorized use, claiming damages for the losses suffered due to infringement, and/or demanding the infringing material be removed or destroyed.

Online Copyright Infringement:
With the increasing presence of online platforms, copyright infringement related to photography often occurs on websites, social media, or other digital platforms. In such cases, photographers can issue takedown notices under the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act, 2002 (Act No. 25 of 2002), to have infringing material removed from online platforms.

Registering Copyright:
While copyright protection arises automatically, photographers may choose to register their works with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) to have an official record of their ownership. This registration can help prove ownership in case of legal disputes.

Licensing and Permissions:
Photographers can grant licenses or permissions to others to use their photographs. Clear licensing agreements can outline the terms and conditions of use, ensuring that others use the images legally and with appropriate attribution.