In my experience with Airlink there hasn't been any issue taking my camera gear as carry on - in fact they specifically ask you not to check in any camera equipment of equipment that might be valuable. I have had accounts of issues with items 'disappearing' when the bag gets loaded at the aircraft steps - always make sure it is locked and I also like to watch it as they load it. J'berg is the riskiest airport in that regard. If you have expensive gear have a couple of smaller collapsible bags with you so you can remove the camera gear if asked to gate check. However, this part of the world relies strongly on tourism and are used to those of us with a lot of gear - they tend to be much more lenient in that respect than other parts of the world.