Online Media News South Africa

Photographer wants R20m from GCIS for unlawful distribution of Madiba image

NEWSWATCH: Photographer Shaun Harris is seeking R20m in compensation from the GCIS for the unauthorised use of a Nelson Mandela photo he took in 1999...
This is not the Madiba image in contention: this was used in Bizcommunity.com in the banner above [ICONS of South Africa] Nelson Mandela, on 4 December 2013. See the original Mail & Guardian report to view Shaun Harris' image.
This is not the Madiba image in contention: this was used in Bizcommunity.com in the banner above [ICONS of South Africa] Nelson Mandela, on 4 December 2013. See the original Mail & Guardian report to view Shaun Harris' image.

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  • Mail & Guardian: GCIS to meet photographer over R20m lawsuit for Madiba image... Mail & Guardian reports the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) has agreed to meet photographer Shaun Harris. He is seeking recognition and R20m in compensation for the unauthorised use of a Nelson Mandela photo he took in 1999.

    Mail & Guardian quotes Harris as saying the amount he was seeking was relative to the damage that had been caused. "Nelson Mandela wasn't just an ordinary figure. He was somebody that everybody looked up to and idolised. I would like to get a public inquiry into all the usage of it."

    Apparently the state agency allegedly responsible for distributing the Madiba picture globally says it wants an amicable resolution to the matter after Harris sent a formal letter of demand to the communications agency on 1 December - almost a year after discovering the photograph at the ANC's headquarters, Luthuli House.
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