1. Commitment
Accuracy is fundamental to trust. When we make a mistake, we correct it promptly, clearly, and proportionately. This Policy explains how readers can request corrections and how we respond.
2. What we correct
We correct:
- factual errors of name, date, place, number, quotation, or event;
- material omissions that render a report misleading in context; and
- captions, headlines, social posts, video, or audio that amplify an error in the underlying story.
We may issue a clarification when wording was technically accurate but reasonably open to a misleading reading. We may issue an update when new information develops a running story without the original being wrong at the time of publication.
Matters of opinion, tone preference, or disagreement with editorial judgment are not “errors,” though we may still review fairness concerns under our Editorial Standards.
3. How to request a correction
Email newsroom@saverifiednews.co.za with:
- the article URL or headline and publication date;
- the specific passage alleged to be wrong;
- the correct information, with supporting evidence if available; and
- your name and contact details (so we can follow up).
Urgent reputational harm claims should mark the subject line “URGENT CORRECTION” and include a phone number.
4. Our process
- We acknowledge receipt when practicable.
- An editor not solely conflicted by personal involvement reviews the claim against notes, sources, and documents.
- If an error is confirmed, we correct the online article and, where the error was material, append a correction note stating what was wrong and when it was fixed.
- If we decline to correct, we explain our reasoning to the complainant where appropriate.
We aim to complete initial assessment of straightforward factual claims within two business days, and more complex investigations as soon as reasonably possible. Legal deadlines (including for court or regulatory processes) may require faster action.
5. Visibility of corrections
Material corrections are noted on the article page. We do not silently rewrite history for material errors. Typos that do not change meaning may be fixed without a formal note. Social posts that spread a material error will be corrected or withdrawn where still under our control.
6. Takedown and “right to be forgotten”
News is a public record. We do not routinely delete accurate lawful reporting because it is inconvenient to a subject. We may unpublish or amend in exceptional cases (for example legal obligation, proven identity theft, significant risk of harm, or serious ethical failure). Requests grounded solely in search reputation will generally be declined if the reporting remains accurate and newsworthy.
Copyright and privacy complaints follow our Copyright & IP Policy and Privacy Policy.
7. Contact
Corrections: newsroom@saverifiednews.co.za
Legal: legal@saverifiednews.co.za