Latest.co.za aims to be a platform for news that is reported accurately, grounded in factual opinions, and sensitive to the vulnerabilities within society. We are committed to upholding the laws and Constitution of South Africa. As such, our editors and journalists in both print and digital media adhere to the following code of conduct:
Code
1. Legality
1.1. Our journalists will consistently uphold the laws of South Africa.
1.2. Any publication deemed unlawful and actionable in a court of law will contravene this code.
1.3. Interpretation of this code will follow existing legal precedent.
2. Accuracy
2.1. Latest.co.za will not disseminate inaccurate, misleading, or distorted information.
2.2. When presenting opinions, the publication will require that they are fact-based and honestly held.
2.3. There will be a clear distinction between commentary, conjecture, and factual reporting in our articles.
3. Right to Reply
3.1. Subjects of critical reporting will be given an opportunity to respond, except under specific circumstances that justify otherwise.
4. Privacy
4.1. We shall not intrude upon individuals’ privacy without reasonable cause.
4.2. Specifically, Latest.co.za will not:
- Disclose details about one’s health, family life, or personal communications without consent.
- Enter private residences or offices without permission from the occupant.
- Publish or capture images of individuals without their consent, unless taken in a public space.
4.3. In instances involving personal grief or shock, reporting will be conducted with due consideration.
5. Children
5.1. For the purpose of our reporting, a child is anyone under the age of 18.
5.2. The Constitutional rights of the child will be considered before publishing any picture of a minor.
5.3. Disclosure of a child’s identity will be subject to statutory restrictions, the child’s privacy, and the acquisition of consent from parents or guardians.
5.4. Editorial discretion will be exercised to avoid harm to a child when disclosing their identity.
5.5. Pictures of children involved in sensitive activities will be published in a manner that is informative rather than provocative or inappropriate.
5.6. We will not publish pictures that depict child nudity, except in special cases governed by the terms outlined above.
6. Means of Obtaining Evidence
6.1. Interview subjects will be informed about the intent to publish their statements, following their consent.
6.2. Previously published material will be appropriately credited and will be used only if lawful.
6.3. Evidence will not be acquired through:
- Clandestine methods
- Interception of private communications
- Unauthorized removal of documents
7. Victims of Crimes
7.1. Victims of sexual crimes will not be identified without their explicit consent.
7.2. If the victim is a minor, their identity will not be disclosed.
7.3. No information that may identify a victim of a sexual crime will be published.
7.4. The general principles for reporting on minors will apply to victims of other crimes who are minors.
7.5. Victims will be approached with compassion during interviews and in the final publication.
8. Sources and Collecting Information
8.1. Sources will generally be named and identified, unless they request confidentiality.
8.2. Confidentiality of sources will be maintained to the extent possible.
9. Discrimination, Racism, and Hate Speech
9.1. No derogatory remarks based on race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability will be published.
9.2. References to these attributes will be avoided unless relevant to the context.
10. Financial Ethics
10.1. Journalists will not use information gathered during reporting for personal financial gain.
10.2. Any financial interest by the journalist or publisher in the subject matter will be disclosed.
11. Conflict of Interest
11.1. Any conflicts of interest will be avoided.
12. Complaint Procedure
12.1. Complaints should be filed as soon as possible, but no later than 20 working days from the date of the publication in question. Late complaints may be considered under certain conditions.
13. Protection of Sources
13.1. Sources, particularly for sensitive stories, will not be disclosed unless legally compelled.
13.2. If the Ombud Office requires disclosure, it will only be to the Ombud Chairperson for investigative purposes, while protecting the source from potential harm.
13.3. Journalists have the right to protect their sources, provided it does not interfere with the ends of justice.
Our commitment to these principles ensures that Latest.co.za is a trusted and credible source of information for our readers.
