South Africa
EDITORIAL STANDARDS

Editorial Standards

Monitoring capital, holding South African power to account

Editorial Standards — Africa Capital Watch

Africa Capital Watch reports on politics, business and public life across South Africa with a commitment to accuracy, independence and fairness. These standards explain how we gather, verify and present information, and how readers can raise concerns about our journalism.

Accuracy and verification

  • We strive for accuracy in every story. Reporters verify facts through multiple reliable sources whenever possible, consult original documents and seek comment from those directly involved before publication.
  • Headlines, captions and summaries must fairly reflect the substance of a story. We avoid sensationalism and correct errors promptly and transparently.
  • For data-driven reporting, we disclose methodologies and the limits of available data. When we rely on contested or incomplete information, we explain the uncertainties.

Sourcing

  • On-the-record: Named sources who agree to be quoted are preferred and clearly identified.
  • Background/off-the-record: We may use information provided “on background” only when it materially advances public understanding and cannot be obtained on the record. Use of background material requires editorial approval and, except in rare circumstances, attribution that explains the nature of the sourcing (for example, “a senior official who asked not to be named”).
  • Off-the-record: Information given off the record will not be published. The terms must be agreed before the interview.
  • We verify user-generated content and social media material before publication. Claims supported only by social posts are labeled and treated with caution.

Anonymous sources

  • Anonymous sourcing is permitted rarely and only when:
  • The information is essential to the public interest;
  • It cannot be obtained by other means;
  • The source has a legitimate reason to fear reprisal or serious harm; and
  • The information can be corroborated independently wherever possible.
  • Granting anonymity requires the approval of a senior editor. When we use anonymous sources, we explain the reason for anonymity and the source’s relationship to the story.

Conflicts of interest

  • Journalists and editors must avoid conflicts of interest that could compromise impartiality or appear to do so.
  • We disclose relevant financial relationships, political activity, or other ties that could influence coverage. Where a personal, financial or other conflict exists, the staff member will recuse themself from related reporting and editing.
  • Africa Capital Watch does not accept payments in exchange for coverage, and newsroom staff may not accept gifts or benefits that could influence—or be perceived to influence—their work.

Separation of news and opinion

  • News reporting and analysis are kept distinct from opinion, commentary and sponsored content.
  • Opinion pieces are clearly labeled and occupy designated sections. Editorials and endorsements reflect the view of the editorial board and are not presented as reporting.
  • Journalists should not byline opinion pieces or public advocacy in areas where they report regularly, and newsrooms maintain separate editing processes for opinion and news.

Corrections and accountability

  • If we make an error, we correct it promptly and visibly. Corrections include a clear note in the story and, when appropriate, an explanatory entry on our Corrections page.
  • Readers who believe a story falls short of these standards should contact us at [email protected] and use the /contact/ form on our site. We investigate all substantive editorial complaints and respond in a timely manner.

Privacy, fairness and dignity

  • We balance the public’s right to know with respect for privacy and human dignity, particularly for victims of crime, children and vulnerable people.
  • Before publishing material that could harm someone’s reputation or safety, we offer an opportunity for response and evaluate whether publication is justified by public interest.

Transparency about funding and partnerships

  • Sponsored content, native advertising and paid partnerships are clearly labeled. We disclose major donors, partners and grants that may bear on our coverage.
  • Editorial independence is protected from commercial and donor influence; donors are not permitted to influence reporting or editorial decisions.
  • We credit photographers and creators, verify the provenance of images and videos, and comply with copyright law.
  • Manipulation that misleads viewers is not permitted. When images are edited for clarity, we note the nature of the edits.

Our readers are essential to our work. If you have questions, corrections or concerns about our journalism, please contact [email protected] and use the /contact/ form.

Last updated: May 11, 2026