Effective Date: 15 July 2026
At HappeningNews, we embrace emerging technologies that help us deliver accurate, timely, and engaging journalism. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the tools that may assist our editorial team in researching, drafting, editing, and enhancing content.
This AI Content Policy explains how AI may be used on HappeningNews and the standards we follow to ensure responsible journalism.
1. Our Commitment
HappeningNews is committed to publishing content that is:
- Accurate
- Fair
- Transparent
- Ethical
- Responsible
- Independent
Artificial Intelligence is used to support our editorial processes—it does not replace human editorial judgment.
2. How We Use Artificial Intelligence
AI tools may assist our editorial team with tasks such as:
- Research support
- Summarising publicly available information
- Drafting article outlines
- Improving grammar, spelling, and readability
- Generating headlines
- Creating article summaries
- Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
- Translation assistance
- Brainstorming content ideas
- Generating royalty-free illustrative images
- Assisting with social media captions and promotional content
AI is used as an editorial support tool and not as an independent publisher.
3. Human Editorial Review
Every article published on HappeningNews is reviewed by a human editor before publication.
Editorial staff are responsible for:
- Reviewing factual accuracy.
- Verifying sources where possible.
- Correcting inaccuracies.
- Ensuring fairness and balance.
- Maintaining our editorial standards.
- Making the final decision regarding publication.
AI-generated content is never published without human oversight.
4. Accuracy and Verification
Although AI can improve efficiency, it may occasionally generate incorrect or incomplete information.
For this reason:
- We verify important facts before publication wherever reasonably possible.
- We rely on reputable and credible sources.
- We update articles when new information becomes available.
- We correct verified errors promptly.
Readers should understand that AI-generated suggestions are always subject to editorial review.
5. Transparency
Where content has been substantially assisted by AI, HappeningNews may disclose this where appropriate.
We believe readers deserve transparency regarding the technologies used in producing our content.
6. Images and Multimedia
Some images, graphics, or illustrations published on HappeningNews may be created or enhanced using Artificial Intelligence.
Where practical, AI-generated visuals may be identified as such.
AI-generated images are intended for illustrative purposes unless otherwise stated.
We do not intentionally use AI-generated images to misrepresent real events, people, or places.
7. What AI Is Not Used For
HappeningNews does not knowingly use AI to:
- Fabricate news stories.
- Create false quotations.
- Invent sources.
- Alter factual reporting.
- Mislead readers.
- Manipulate photographs of real news events in a deceptive manner.
- Generate defamatory or unlawful content.
Editorial integrity always takes precedence over automation.
8. Sources
Artificial Intelligence may assist with organising publicly available information.
However, AI itself is not considered a primary news source.
Where appropriate, our journalists verify information using official statements, reputable publications, recognised organisations, and other credible sources.
9. Reader Feedback
If you believe an article contains factual inaccuracies or misleading information, whether AI-assisted or otherwise, we encourage you to contact our editorial team.
Constructive feedback helps us maintain high editorial standards.
10. Continuous Improvement
Artificial Intelligence continues to evolve rapidly.
HappeningNews regularly reviews its editorial practices to ensure that AI is used responsibly, ethically, and in accordance with applicable laws and recognised journalism standards.
11. Compliance
Our use of Artificial Intelligence is guided by:
- The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.
- The Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (POPIA).
- Applicable copyright and intellectual property laws.
- Our Privacy Policy.
- Our Editorial Policy.
- These AI Content Guidelines.
12. Contact Us
If you have questions regarding this AI Content Policy or our editorial practices, please contact us.
HappeningNews
Website: https://happeningnews.co.za
Email: womeninmedia@happeningnews.co.za
Last Updated: 15 July 2026
