An alarming amount of South African’s are using unlicensed software, according to a recent study by the BSA.
The survey found that 33% of software installed on computers in South Africa was not properly licensed.
Despite the high number, South Africa is actually on the lower-end of the spectrum compared to other African and Middle-Eastern countries, which boast an average of 57%.
“We are happy to see the rate of unlicensed software use has dropped again. We believe this progress is in part a result of the successful cooperation between the South African government and the software industry, said Billa Coetsee, Chair of South African Committee of BSA.
“However, as the report highlights, the value of unlicensed software in use in South Africa is $274 million (R4.3 billion), which is very high. We will have to continue building the success of our recent initiatives with government, other stakeholders and the business community.”
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I generally stick with legitimately purchased media these days, but I believe this trend will continue if SA spending power is not improved, and imports taxes reduced.
Heck I can imagine that an enthusiast on a budget might forego several other upgrades for maybe one decent graphics card and then live on toast and margarine for a month or two. Paying for software and media is not much of an option then.