EDITORIAL STANDARDS

Editorial Standards

Urban voices holding power to account in South Africa

Editorial Standards — Mzansi Urban Report

Mzansi Urban Report reports on communities, government and civic life in South Africa according to clear, consistent editorial standards. As a tribune for the public, our mission is to hold power to account while treating people with fairness and dignity. These standards explain how we pursue accuracy, source information, manage conflicts of interest, handle anonymous sourcing, correct errors, and separate news from opinion.

Accuracy and verification

  • We verify facts before publishing. Reporters must seek documentary evidence, official records, multiple corroborating accounts, or direct observation for material claims.
  • We attribute key facts to named sources whenever possible. Where documentation exists (statements, court records, budgets, datasets), we link to or describe that material so readers can evaluate claims.
  • We verify images, video and audio before publication. Manipulated or miscaptioned media will not be published; when user-generated material is used we explain its provenance and the steps taken to verify it.
  • Headlines, captions and summaries must reflect the content of the story and not overstate findings.

Sourcing

  • We seek to identify sources by name and role (for example: “Mayor Thabo Nkosi, speaking at the City Hall press briefing”). Anonymous or unnamed sourcing is used only in exceptional circumstances (see below).
  • We prefer primary sources — eyewitnesses, official documents, or direct recordings — over secondhand accounts. Independent corroboration is required for all significant allegations.
  • When quoting or relying on experts, we identify their relevant credentials or affiliations so readers can assess expertise and possible biases.
  • We do not publish material that relies solely on tips or rumours without verification.

Conflict of interest and transparency

  • Staff, freelancers and contributors must disclose any financial, personal or political interest that could reasonably be perceived to influence their reporting. Disclosures are reviewed by editors and, where necessary, the staff member will be reassigned or recuse themselves.
  • We disclose relevant partnerships, sponsorships, paid content or gifts that relate to editorial coverage. Sponsored content is clearly labelled as such and kept separate from news reporting.
  • Journalists must not accept money, gifts, travel or favours from subjects of coverage. If a reader believes coverage has been compromised by a conflict, please contact us (see below).

Anonymous sources

  • We use anonymous sources only when the information is vital to the public interest and cannot be obtained by other means. Granting anonymity requires editorial approval and documented justification.
  • Even where anonymity is granted, we require corroboration by independent evidence or additional sources. We explain in the story why anonymity was necessary and the nature of corroboration.
  • We do not pay sources for information. We will not grant anonymity in exchange for payment or other consideration.

Corrections and accountability

  • We correct errors promptly and transparently. Significant errors are corrected on the story page with a clear correction note explaining what was changed and why; minor typographical fixes may be noted depending on their impact.
  • A running corrections log is maintained so readers can review substantive corrections and clarifications.
  • Readers who believe we have made an error or who have editorial complaints should contact us at [email protected] and/or use our /contact/ form. We will acknowledge complaints promptly and respond with an explanation or correction as appropriate.

Separation of news and opinion

  • News reporting is fact-based, striving for impartiality and fairness. Opinion, analysis and commentary reflect the author’s viewpoint and are clearly labeled as such.
  • Editorials and endorsed opinions represent the view of our editorial board and are distinct from news coverage. Opinion pieces must not present themselves as news and are visually and textually identified as opinion.
  • Columnists and contributors may have known perspectives; these are disclosed. News editors will not allow editorial advocacy to dictate day-to-day reporting choices.

Treatment of people we cover

  • We strive for fairness: to seek comment from people and organisations we report on, to allow them to respond to allegations before publication when feasible, and to avoid unnecessary harm.
  • Vulnerable people, including minors and victims of violence, receive additional protections in how we identify and report on them.

These standards guide everyone who contributes to Mzansi Urban Report. They are living principles and may be updated as journalism practices and community expectations evolve.

Last updated: May 11, 2026

Contact for editorial complaints: [email protected] and our /contact/ form.