Copyrights are rights granted exclusively for a set number of years to the authors, artists, and designers for their original work. Copyrights can be obtained for certain works under the Copyright Act of South Africa including:

• Computer programs
• Sound recordings
• Artistic works
• Broadcasts
• Musical works
• Literary works
• Cinematographic works
• Published editions
• Signals that carry programs

Copyrights can only be obtained for work that has been recorded, written down, painted etc. The work must thus be in material form. Ideas can thus not qualify for copyright protection.

The lifespan of protection varies according to the work produced and thus protected under the Copyright Law. Sound recordings will have protection for 50 years from the first broadcast and films 50 years from the first production or showing. Computer programs have rights protection of 50 years after the first availability to the public and literacy works have protection for 50 years after the author has passed away.

You may make photocopies of literary works if it is for private use and you can copy a public speech or lecture. The author and source must be acknowledged when copied and cited. To prevent infringement of copyrights it is recommended that you obtain permission from the author before reproducing the work. The general rule is that work copied for private use only will not infringe on the author’s rights.