Corrections and Clarifications

Report Focus News is committed to accuracy in all our reporting. When we make mistakes, we correct them quickly and transparently. This page outlines our correction policy and displays recent corrections to maintain our readers' trust.

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Accuracy is fundamental to credible journalism. While we strive for perfection in all our reporting on South African and Zimbabwean news, we acknowledge that errors can occur. When they do, we take full responsibility and act swiftly to correct them.

Our Promise

• We will correct errors promptly and transparently
• Corrections will be published as prominently as the original error
• We will learn from our mistakes to prevent future errors
• We welcome reader feedback and fact-checking assistance

Types of Corrections

Corrections

Clarifications

Updates

Our Correction Process

Step 1: Error Identification

• Internal fact-checking and editorial review
• Reader feedback and corrections submissions
• Source notifications of inaccuracies
• Social media monitoring for accuracy concerns

Step 2: Verification

• Editorial team investigates reported errors
• Original sources are consulted when possible
• Additional fact-checking is conducted
• Senior editors review findings

Step 3: Publication

• Corrections are published within 24 hours when possible
• Clear explanation of what was incorrect
• Accurate information is provided
• Date and time of correction are noted

Step 4: Follow-up

• Original article is updated with correction notice
• Social media posts may be corrected or deleted
• Affected parties are notified when appropriate
• Lessons learned are shared with editorial team

How to Report an Error

If you notice an error in our reporting, please contact us immediately. The faster we know about a mistake, the quicker we can correct it.

What to Include in Your Report

• Article URL: Link to the article containing the error
• Publication Date: When the article was published
• Specific Error: Exact quote or information that is incorrect
• Correct Information: What the accurate information should be
• Source: Where you found the correct information (if applicable)
• Your Contact Details: So we can follow up if needed

Recent Corrections

We publish all significant corrections and clarifications here to maintain transparency with our readers. This section is updated regularly as corrections are made.

Correction Format

When corrections are published, they will follow this format:

Standards for Corrections

Prominence

• Corrections appear prominently at the top of corrected articles
• Corrections page is easily accessible from our main navigation
• Significant corrections may be published as separate articles
• Social media corrections use the same prominence as original posts

Clarity

• Corrections clearly state what was wrong and what is right
• Language is straightforward and easy to understand
• Context is provided when necessary for clarity
• No attempt is made to minimize or hide errors

Timeliness

• Minor factual errors: Corrected within 2 hours when possible
• Significant errors: Corrected within 24 hours
• Complex errors requiring investigation: Interim notice published immediately
• Breaking news errors: Corrected as soon as identified

Prevention Measures

While we will always correct errors when they occur, our primary focus is on preventing them in the first place.

Editorial Processes

• Multi-level fact-checking for all articles
• Verification of sources and quotes before publication
• Senior editor review for sensitive or complex stories
• Use of reliable, authoritative sources

Training and Development

• Regular accuracy training for all editorial staff
• Best practices workshops for fact-checking
• Review of common error patterns and prevention strategies
• Continuous professional development in journalism standards

Technology and Tools

• Fact-checking tools and verification software
• Multiple source verification requirements
• Editorial workflow systems with built-in checks
• Regular review of accuracy metrics and trends

Reader Responsibility

While we take full responsibility for our content's accuracy, readers can help maintain high standards by:

• Reading articles carefully and critically
• Checking multiple sources for important information
• Reporting suspected errors quickly and respectfully
• Providing specific, factual corrections rather than opinions
• Understanding the difference between disagreement and error

Complaints Process

If you're not satisfied with how we've handled a correction or error, you can escalate your concern:

Internal Process

1. Contact the original reporter or section editor
2. Escalate to the Editor-in-Chief if unsatisfied
3. Final internal review by the Editorial Board

External Options

• South African Press Council (for South African content)
• Zimbabwe Media Commission (for Zimbabwean content)
• International journalism ethics organizations

Transparency Commitment

Our commitment to transparency includes:

• Publishing all significant corrections publicly
• Maintaining this corrections page as a permanent record
• Providing annual accuracy reports when appropriate
• Sharing lessons learned with the broader journalism community
• Never removing or hiding original errors from the public record