At CapeFlats.co.za, our credibility rests on trust — trust that every story we publish is accurate, fair, and responsibly sourced. We understand that accuracy is not merely a goal but an obligation to our readers and the communities we serve. When we make mistakes, we correct them openly. When facts change, we update our reporting transparently. This policy explains how we handle corrections, clarifications, and retractions in keeping with the South African Press Code and our duty to uphold ethical, accountable journalism.
Corrections And Retraction Policy
At CapeFlats.co.za, we are committed to the highest standards of accuracy, fairness and accountability in our reporting. We recognise that mistakes can occur in the course of journalistic work, and when they do, our duty is to correct them promptly, transparently and proportionately. This policy explains how we handle corrections, clarifications, updates and retractions in accordance with the South African Press Code and the principles of ethical journalism.
1. Commitment To Accuracy
Our journalists and contributors strive to verify information before publication. Every effort is made to ensure that facts, names, quotations, dates and figures are reported correctly and that context is faithfully represented. We also distinguish clearly between fact, opinion and comment.
Should a factual error come to light, we act as soon as reasonably possible to correct the record and prevent further dissemination of the error.
2. How Corrections Are Made
When a minor factual error or omission is identified after publication, the article will be amended to correct the inaccuracy. A brief note will be added at the end of the article indicating what has been changed and why. For example:
Correction: An earlier version of this article misstated the date of the event. It has been updated to reflect the correct date.
Where changes are purely editorial, stylistic or grammatical and do not affect the substance of the story, we may correct these silently without an appended note.
3. Significant Errors Or Misrepresentation
In cases where a published story contains a serious factual inaccuracy, misquotation, or misrepresentation that could mislead readers or harm reputations, a formal correction or clarification will be issued. The correction will:
- Clearly identify the original article and its publication date.
- Describe the nature of the error.
- Provide the correct information in full.
- Be published with comparable prominence to the original piece (for example, on the homepage or the “Latest” section if the original article appeared there).
If the article was shared on social media platforms, an updated or corrected version will also be reposted or linked with an explanatory note.
4. Retractions
If a story is found to be substantially false, based on fabricated information, or published in breach of the South African Press Code, CapeFlats.co.za will retract the article in full. A retraction notice will be published in the same section where the original article appeared, stating:
- That the article has been retracted.
- The reasons for the retraction.
- The steps taken to verify the situation.
Retracted content will remain accessible only with a clear notice or redirect, in order to preserve transparency while preventing the spread of misinformation.
5. Requests For Corrections
Readers, sources, or parties mentioned in an article who believe a story contains an error are encouraged to contact our editorial team directly. Requests should include:
- The title and URL of the article.
- A description of the disputed information.
- Supporting evidence for the correction or clarification requested.
Correction requests can be submitted via email to [email protected] with the subject line Correction Request. Every request will be reviewed by our editorial desk within a reasonable timeframe. If a correction is warranted, the decision will be communicated to the requester once implemented.
6. Transparency And Record Keeping
All significant corrections and retractions are recorded internally to ensure accountability and learning within the newsroom. Editors regularly review these records to improve editorial processes and reduce future errors.
7. External Adjudication
CapeFlats.co.za supports the principles of the South African Press Code and recognises the jurisdiction of the Press Council of South Africa and the Press Ombudsman. Readers who are dissatisfied with our internal correction process may, where applicable, lodge a complaint directly with the Press Council for independent adjudication.
8. Updates To This Policy
This policy is reviewed annually and may be updated to reflect changes in best practice, the Press Code, or the site’s editorial structure. The date of the latest revision will be displayed below.
Last updated: [01/08/2024]
