Last updated: 25 August 2026
These standards govern news content published by Mzansi Political Safari. They are intended to protect accuracy, fairness, independence and public trust while recognising the robust nature of political debate.
Accuracy and verification
- We aim to publish information that is accurate, properly contextualised and supported by reliable sources.
- Where information is uncertain, disputed or not independently verified, that limitation should be made clear.
- Press statements, political claims and social-media posts are not automatically treated as established fact.
- Headlines, captions, summaries and social-media descriptions should fairly reflect the underlying report.
- Material factual errors should be corrected transparently and as soon as reasonably practicable.
Fairness and right of reply
People and organisations who are the subject of significant adverse factual allegations should, where reasonably practicable, be given an opportunity to respond before publication. The time allowed may depend on the urgency, complexity and public-interest value of the story.
If a response is requested but is not received by publication time, the article should normally say so. A material response received later may be added or reported in an update where appropriate.
Political neutrality in news reporting
Mzansi Political Safari does not write news reports to advance or oppose a political party, candidate, office-bearer or political cause. News articles should avoid loaded language and should distinguish the publication’s factual account from the claims and characterisations of political actors.
Fairness does not necessarily require equal space for every political party or viewpoint. Editorial prominence may reflect newsworthiness, electoral relevance, public impact, available evidence and the significance of the event, while maintaining consistent standards across political actors.
Attribution and sourcing
- Claims by parties, departments, officials and interest groups should be attributed.
- Primary documents, official records, court papers, legislation, parliamentary material, election data and direct statements are preferred where available.
- Information originating with another news organisation should be credited where it materially contributes to a report.
- Anonymous sources are used cautiously and only where there is a clear editorial reason for withholding identity.
- An anonymous source’s identity should be known to the editor or responsible journalist before their information is relied upon, except in exceptional circumstances.
News, analysis and opinion
News reports, analysis, explainers, opinion and sponsored material should be distinguishable. Opinion represents the view of the named author or, where expressly stated, the publication. It should not be presented as straight news.
Conflicts of interest and independence
- Editorial decisions should not be influenced by political, commercial or personal pressure.
- Writers and editors should disclose material conflicts of interest to the editor.
- Gifts, hospitality, travel or benefits must not be accepted where they could reasonably be seen as buying favourable coverage.
- Advertising and sponsorship do not confer editorial control over news coverage.
Images, video and captions
Images should not be presented in a misleading way. File photographs, supplied photographs, illustrations and AI-generated or materially altered visuals should be identified where the context could otherwise mislead readers. Captions should accurately describe what is shown and, where relevant, when the image was taken.
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence may assist research organisation, source discovery, transcription, summarisation, drafting, editing, categorisation, SEO preparation or production tasks. AI output is not treated as a source and must not replace verification against the underlying material. Published work remains the responsibility of Mzansi Political Safari. See our AI & Automation Policy.
Corrections and accountability
Significant errors should not be silently rewritten in a way that obscures the fact of the correction. Depending on the nature of the issue, we may publish an update, clarification, correction, editor’s note or retraction. See our Corrections & Complaints Policy.
Review of these standards
These standards may be updated as the publication grows, introduces new editorial formats or joins a recognised media self-regulatory body. Material changes will be reflected on this page.
Contact
editorial@politicalsafari.co.za