Ethics Policy & Code of Conduct

Core Ethical Principles

Sourcing and Verification

Source Protection

• We protect confidential sources without exception
• We clearly explain terms of anonymity before granting it
• We use anonymous sources only when necessary for important stories
• We verify information from anonymous sources through additional means

Verification Standards

• We require at least two independent sources for contested facts
• We verify user-generated content before publication
• We clearly label content that cannot be independently verified
• We fact-check claims made by public officials
• We consult experts for technical or specialized topics

Conflicts of Interest

Disclosure Requirements

Staff must disclose any potential conflicts including:

• Financial investments related to coverage areas
• Family relationships with newsmakers
• Previous employment or affiliations
• Personal relationships that could affect coverage

Privacy and Consent

Privacy Principles

• We respect individual privacy unless overridden by public interest
• We obtain consent before photographing or recording in private spaces
• We are especially careful with vulnerable individuals and minors
• We pixelate or obscure identities when safety requires it
• We handle victims of crime and trauma with sensitivity

Public Interest Exceptions

Privacy may be overridden when:

• Exposing crime or serious wrongdoing
• Protecting public health and safety
• Preventing the public from being misled
• Revealing conflicts of interest in public officials

Digital and Social Media

Online Standards

• Same ethical standards apply online as in print
• We verify social media content before using it
• We correct online errors as quickly as print errors
• We moderate comments to prevent hate speech and abuse
• We clearly distinguish between news and sponsored content

Staff Social Media Guidelines

• Personal accounts should not compromise professional integrity
• Political opinions should not undermine perceived impartiality
• Confidential information must never be shared
• Breaking news goes to the newsroom first, not personal accounts

Corrections and Clarifications

Plagiarism and Attribution

• We never present others' work as our own
• We attribute all quotes, data, and unique reporting
• We credit other news organizations when building on their work
• We respect intellectual property rights
• We obtain permission for copyrighted material

Diversity and Inclusion

Coverage Commitments

• Represent all communities in South Africa and Zimbabwe
• Seek diverse voices and perspectives
• Challenge stereotypes and prejudices
• Use inclusive language and imagery
• Cover underrepresented communities fairly

Newsroom Diversity

We strive for a newsroom that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve, including diversity of race, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, economic background, and life experience.

Advertising and Sponsorship

Regional Considerations

South Africa

• Respect constitutional values including human dignity and equality
• Consider the Press Code of Ethics and Conduct
• Be sensitive to the country's history and ongoing reconciliation
• Report on all 11 official languages' communities

Zimbabwe

• Navigate political sensitivities while maintaining independence
• Protect sources in challenging press freedom environment
• Balance diaspora and local perspectives
• Report on rural and urban communities equally

Enforcement and Accountability

Internal Processes

• Regular ethics training for all editorial staff
• Ethics committee reviews of challenging cases
• Clear procedures for reporting ethical concerns
• Protection for whistleblowers
• Annual review of ethics policy

External Accountability

• Public editor/ombudsman role (when established)
• Engagement with press councils
• Transparency reports on our practices
• Open dialogue with readers and communities