Last updated: 25 August 2026
The credibility of political reporting depends on readers being able to understand where information comes from. This policy explains how Mzansi Political Safari approaches source selection and attribution.
Primary and authoritative sources
Where practicable, we prefer direct or primary material such as legislation, court records, government and parliamentary documents, IEC data, official notices, speeches, press briefings, verified statements, audited or published datasets and direct interviews.
Political and government statements
Statements by political parties, public officials, departments, candidates and campaign organisations are reported as claims or positions of those sources unless independently established as fact. Press-release wording should not be adopted as the publication’s own factual characterisation without scrutiny.
Other media reporting
We may cite or link to reporting by other news organisations where it contributes materially to a story. We aim to distinguish information we have independently confirmed from information credited to another publication.
Social media
A social-media post may be newsworthy but should not automatically be treated as verified. We consider account authenticity, context, date, possible manipulation and whether the content can be corroborated.
Anonymous sources
Anonymous sourcing is used cautiously. Anonymity may be appropriate where a source faces a credible risk of retaliation, has legitimate confidentiality concerns, or cannot otherwise provide information in the public interest. We should explain the source’s relevant position or basis of knowledge where this can be done without exposing identity.
Confidentiality
Do not assume that sending information to Mzansi Political Safari automatically creates a confidential-source relationship. A confidentiality commitment must be explicitly agreed by an authorised member of the newsroom. We do not currently operate a dedicated investigative journalism desk or specialist secure-drop infrastructure.
Verification
Important claims from anonymous, partisan or interested sources should be corroborated where reasonably possible. The greater the potential harm of a claim, the stronger the verification required before publication.
Documents and leaked material
Documents should be assessed for authenticity, completeness, provenance and context before they are relied upon. Publication of leaked or confidential material also requires consideration of legality, privacy, safety and public interest.
Corrections
If source information later proves materially wrong, the resulting publication error will be handled under our Corrections & Complaints Policy.
Contact
editorial@politicalsafari.co.za