Editorial Standards — Cape Town Bulletin

Cape Town Bulletin is committed to fair, rigorous, and transparent journalism that serves Cape Town and the surrounding region. Our readers trust us to provide accurate information, clear attribution, and coverage free from undue influence. These editorial standards explain how we pursue that trust and how you can raise concerns about our reporting.

Accuracy and verification

We strive for accuracy in every story. Reporters verify facts before publication through primary documents, official records, direct observation, and corroborating sources. We attribute where information comes from and avoid speculation presented as fact. When we publish breaking or developing coverage, we label it as such and update articles promptly as new verified information becomes available.

We edit for clarity but do not alter the substance of quoted material. If a quotation must be shortened, we do so without changing its meaning and indicate omissions with ellipses when appropriate.

Sourcing

We name sources whenever possible. Named sourcing strengthens accountability and allows readers to evaluate information for themselves. We rely on a mix of firsthand reporting, on-the-record interviews, documents, public records, expert analysis, and reputable third-party reporting.

We do not pay sources for news information. Reimbursement for reasonable expenses related to reporting (for contributors or freelancers) may be authorised in advance by editors but does not constitute payment for information or interviews.

Anonymous sources

Anonymous sources are used only when: - the information is vital to the public interest, and - it cannot be obtained by other means, and - there is a specific, verifiable reason to protect the source from harm or retaliation.

Use of anonymous sources must be authorised by an editor. When we rely on anonymous sourcing, we will explain why anonymity was granted and provide as much context as possible about the source’s credibility and proximity to the facts.

Conflicts of interest and transparency

Staff and regular contributors must disclose potential conflicts of interest to the editorial team. Journalists should avoid activities, investments, or relationships that could compromise—or appear to compromise—our independence. When a potential conflict cannot be avoided, we disclose it prominently in the story or through an editor’s note, or the reporter will recuse themselves from the coverage.

We label sponsored content and partnerships clearly as “Sponsored” or “Paid Content.” Advertisers and sponsors have no editorial control over newsroom decisions.

Separation of news and opinion

News reporting and editorial opinion are distinct. Our news pages present verified information and on-the-record reporting. Opinion, analysis, and commentary are clearly labelled and appear in dedicated sections. Opinion pieces represent the views of the author or editorial board and not necessarily those of Cape Town Bulletin’s newsroom. We do not present opinion as straight news.

Columnists and contributors must disclose relevant affiliations or interests that could influence their commentary.

Corrections, clarifications and complaints

We correct errors promptly and transparently. When a significant error is identified, we will revise the article, add a correction note at the top or bottom of the piece explaining the change, and, where appropriate, notify readers who engaged with the incorrect content. Minor clarifications may be appended to the article.

If you believe we have published incorrect, misleading, or unethical content, please contact us: - Email: [email protected] - Or use our contact form at /contact/

We take editorial complaints seriously and aim to respond promptly. Persistent concerns can be escalated to senior editors through these channels.

Privacy and treating people fairly

We respect the dignity and privacy of people we cover. We seek comment from subjects before publishing material that could materially harm their reputation, except in cases of clear public interest where prior notice would undermine reporting. We avoid intrusive methods unless essential to the story and in the public interest, and we weigh the public’s need to know against the potential harm to individuals.

Photographs, videos and data used in our reporting should be accurately captioned and not misleadingly edited. We verify third‑party material before publication and note the provenance of visual or data sources. Content from social media may be used, but we corroborate its authenticity and context before relying on it as factual evidence.

Last updated: May 11, 2026