The Copyright Act protects certain classes or categories of works. The following works are eligible for copyright in South Africa (in the Republic).
- Literary works e.g. books and written composition novels.
- Musical works e.g. songs.
- Artistic works e.g. paintings and drawings.
- Cinematograph films e.g. program-carrying signal that has been transmitted by satellite.
- Sound recordings.
- Broadcasts e.g. broadcasting of films or music.
- Program-carrying signals e.g. signals embodying a program.
- Published editions e.g. first print by whatever process.
- Computer programs.
For a work to be eligible for copyright protection, it must be original and be reduced to material form.