Corrections Policy

At FactCheckAfrica, we are committed to accuracy, transparency and accountability in our fact-checking and editorial work. We recognise that fact-checking is based on the evidence available at the time of verification and that credible new evidence may emerge after publication. Where new evidence materially affects the core finding of a published fact-check, we will review the publication and, where necessary, clarify, correct, update or amend the verdict. Corrections and substantive updates will include an explanation of the reason for the change where appropriate.

What We Consider for Correction

Readers may contact FactCheckAfrica where they believe a published fact-check contains a substantive error or does not accurately reflect the available evidence.

We consider complaints concerning:

  • factual inaccuracies;
  • misleading presentation or misrepresentation of evidence;
  • significant omissions that materially affect the reader’s understanding of a claim;
  • errors in statistics, quotations, sources or other factual information;
  • errors that materially affect the basis or outcome of a verdict; and
  • credible new evidence that materially changes the finding of a previously published fact-check.

Where a complaint raises a potentially substantive concern, our editorial team reviews the relevant publication, claim, sources, evidence and methodology before determining whether any action is warranted.

Depending on the findings, the outcome may be:

  • no change, where the published finding remains supported by the evidence;
  • a clarification, where additional context is required;
  • a minor correction;
  • a substantive correction;
  • an update; or
  • a review and amendment of the published verdict where the evidence warrants a change.

Minor and Major Errors

We distinguish between minor and major errors based on their effect on the substance and conclusion of a publication.

Minor errors are non-material mistakes that do not affect the substance of the fact-check, the evidence supporting it, the verdict or its conclusion. These may include typographical, formatting, spelling or other minor errors that do not alter the meaning of the published work. We correct such errors when identified.

Major errors are inaccuracies or omissions that materially affect the factual substance, evidence, verdict or conclusion of a fact-check. These may include a materially incorrect factual finding, significant misrepresentation of evidence, reliance on materially incorrect information, or a substantive omission that changes a reader’s understanding of the claim.

Where a major error affects the basis or outcome of a fact-check, we will make a substantive correction or update and review the verdict where necessary.

Complaints We Do Not Ordinarily Consider Correction Requests

Not every disagreement with a publication constitutes a correction request. We do not ordinarily treat the following as grounds for correction where they do not identify a substantive factual error:

  • clearly identified satire, parody or humour;
  • opinion or analysis that is clearly presented as such rather than as a factual claim;
  • disagreement solely with an editorial conclusion, political viewpoint or interpretation;
  • complaints that do not identify a specific factual error or provide a substantive basis for challenging the evidence;
  • claims that fall outside FactCheckAfrica’s editorial mandate or do not raise a meaningful public-interest, accountability, public-safety or public-welfare concern;
  • frivolous, abusive, repetitive, vexatious or bad-faith complaints; and
  • requests primarily intended to suppress accurate and verifiable information.

The exclusion of these matters does not prevent FactCheckAfrica from reviewing a complaint where it subsequently identifies credible evidence of a substantive factual error.

How We Assess Complaints

All complaints are assessed on their substance and the evidence provided, rather than on the identity, political affiliation, institutional position or status of the person submitting the complaint.

Where a complaint concerns a partisan political claim, the same evidentiary and editorial standards apply regardless of the political affiliation of the claimant or the subject of the fact-check.

Readers can contact FactCheckAfrica through our available communication https://factcheckafrica.net/contact/ and social media channels to raise a correction request or other concern. We encourage readers to contact us directly as the first point of contact so that concerns can be reviewed and, where appropriate, resolved promptly.

As a signatory to the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) Code of Principles (https://ifcncodeofprinciples.poynter.org/the-commitments, we are also open to feedback concerning our compliance with the principles of accuracy, transparency, non-partisanship and openness to corrections. Readers may independently submit a complaint to the IFCN through its established complaints process https://ifcncodeofprinciples.poynter.org/complaints..

Our Commitment to Corrections

Corrections are an essential part of maintaining the credibility, accuracy and reliability of our work. We recognise that transparency about errors is as important as the verification process itself.

We therefore remain committed to reviewing credible concerns, correcting material errors and updating our work when the available evidence changes. Our corrections process is intended to ensure that published fact-checks remain accurate, evidence-based and accountable to the public.

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