Ntando Duma Rambani faces legal consequences in a high-profile copyright case over an unauthorized photo. Image credit: Ntando Duma Rambani/Facebook
(The Post News) – Actress and influencer Ntando Duma Rambani has been ordered to pay more than R27,000 after a copyright dispute arose over a photograph taken by a creative agency without their permission.
The Johannesburg-based agency, Pixel Kollective, took legal action against Duma Rambani, seeking R200,000 in compensation. They claimed she used one of their images in a campaign for Simba chips without consent.
The photo was captured during an event and was intended for a commercial project. Between May and June 2021, Duma Rambani promoted Simba on social media; however, Pixel Kollective stated that they were neither consulted nor paid for the use of the photograph.
Copyright Dispute: Court Rules on Ntando Duma Rambani’s Case
Under the agreement between Duma Rambani and Simba, she was allowed to use only one image. Nevertheless, the court found that the contested photo was used beyond what was agreed upon, raising serious copyright concerns.
Furthermore, the judge examined the costs involved in producing the image, including fees for the photographer, lighting, editing, equipment, and project management, which were over R40,000, in addition to extra charges for advertising and legal expenses. In the end, the court awarded Pixel Kollective R27,644, significantly less than the initial claim, but the ruling reaffirmed the importance of respecting copyright.
In South Africa, copyright law protects original photographs as artistic works, giving photographers the legal right to control how their images are used. Therefore, even if a photo is shared online or taken at a public event, the creator still holds ownership unless usage rights are formally granted.
Duma Rambani’s lawyer said she is still considering her options. While the amount awarded was smaller than expected, it may lead to further legal action or be seen as a reason to settle the matter. At the time of publication, Ntando Duma Rambani had not responded to requests for comment on the latest developments.
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