Corrections Policy — Mzansi Urban Report

We aim to publish accurate, verifiable reporting about South African cities and communities. When we get something wrong, we correct it promptly, transparently and in a way that preserves the public record.

How readers can report errors

If you believe an Mzansi Urban Report story contains a factual error, missing context, or misleading wording, please tell us:

• Email: [email protected] — include the article URL, a clear description of the problem, and any supporting documents or links.
• Or use our contact form at /contact/ and select “Correction request” in the message.

We do not accept correction requests by phone or postal mail.

Our review process

1. Acknowledgement: We aim to acknowledge correction requests within one business day.
2. Assessment: A corrections editor reviews the claim, checks sources and reporting notes, and consults the reporter and the editor who assigned the story.
3. Verification: If necessary we seek further evidence from the requester or independent sources.
4. Decision and action: If a correction is warranted, we decide how to remedy the record—correction, clarification, or, in rare cases, retraction. We document the decision and the reasons.
5. Notification: We notify the requester of the outcome and, when appropriate, offer a brief explanation of the steps taken.

Where corrections appear

• In-article note: For substantive factual errors or significant clarifications, we update the story and add a correction notice at the top or bottom of the article explaining what changed and why, with a timestamp.
• Corrections log: All substantive corrections are summarized on this Corrections page so readers can see a public record of amendments.
• Headline changes: If a headline is corrected for accuracy, we update both the headline and add a note in the article.

Minor edits — such as grammar, spelling, formatting, or small clarifications that do not change meaning — may be made without a public note.

Timelines

• Acknowledgement: within 1 business day.
• Initial assessment: typically within 3 business days.
• Resolution and published correction: generally within 3–10 business days of verification. Complex investigations or legal/safety issues may take longer; urgent matters (safety, libel risk) are prioritised and acted on immediately.

Retractions and removals

We preserve the published record whenever possible. Articles are removed or retracted only in narrow circumstances, such as legal obligation or risk to an individual’s safety; when that happens we will explain the reason for removal publicly where allowed.

Last updated: May 11, 2026