According to a study done by the Business Software Association of Australia, South Africa had the 17th lowest piracy rate (just under Canada) out of 84 countries in 2004. At this time, South Africa had an estimated piracy rate of 36% (R1.2 billion or $171 million p.a.). [1] Since then, there has been a steady decline in piracy due to initiatives such as the BSA (Business Software Alliance), along with cooperation from government and other factors.

After the recent launch of an anti-piracy advertising campaign, the chairman of the BSA of South Africa, Stephan Le Roux, said that piracy cost South Africa only R950 million (or $136 million) last year, indicating a drop in the piracy rate from 36% in 2004 and 2005 to under 30% in 2007. [2]

The BSA estimates that a decrease in piracy of only 10 percentage points over a four year period could generate 2,400 new jobs, R12 billion ($1.7bn) in economic growth and R920 million ($131 m) in tax revenues.[3] If they are correct, the current downwards trend in piracy statistics will result in almost 2000 new jobs by 2010.

Even with exploding crime statistics, South Africa can be proud that piracy, at least, is being brought under control. Well done BSA.

Sources:
[1] http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/cri_sof_pir_rat-crime-software-piracy-...
[2] http://www.bsa.org/southafrica/press/newsreleases/sapressrelease9feb2007...
[3] http://www.bsa.org/southafrica/press/newsreleases/BSA-IDC-Study-Illustra...