Effective Date: 15 July 2026
At HappeningNews, we believe that trustworthy journalism is built on integrity, accuracy, fairness, transparency, and accountability. This Code of Ethics outlines the professional standards and ethical principles that guide our editors, journalists, contributors, freelancers, photographers, and anyone creating content on behalf of HappeningNews.
Our commitment is to serve the public interest by publishing accurate, balanced, and responsible journalism while respecting the rights and dignity of all individuals.
1. Our Core Values
Everything we publish is guided by the following principles:
- Integrity
- Accuracy
- Independence
- Fairness
- Transparency
- Accountability
- Respect
- Public Interest
These values underpin every editorial decision made by HappeningNews.
2. Accuracy
We strive to ensure that all published information is as accurate and complete as reasonably possible.
Our editorial team aims to:
- Verify information before publication.
- Confirm facts through credible sources where practical.
- Clearly distinguish fact from opinion.
- Attribute information appropriately.
- Avoid speculation presented as fact.
Where errors are identified, we will correct them promptly in accordance with our Corrections Policy.
3. Fairness
We believe in reporting fairly and responsibly.
Whenever reasonably possible we will:
- Present relevant perspectives.
- Avoid deliberate bias.
- Provide individuals or organisations with an opportunity to respond to significant allegations.
- Avoid misleading headlines or selective reporting.
Our goal is to help readers understand issues rather than influence them unfairly.
4. Editorial Independence
Editorial decisions are made independently of advertisers, sponsors, political organisations, governments, businesses, or external pressure.
Our editorial team is expected to make decisions based on:
- Newsworthiness
- Public interest
- Accuracy
- Relevance
- Ethical journalism
Commercial relationships do not determine editorial content.
5. Transparency
We believe readers deserve transparency.
Where appropriate, we will:
- Identify sponsored content.
- Disclose affiliate relationships.
- Correct significant errors openly.
- Explain major editorial updates.
- Be transparent about the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence.
6. Accountability
We accept responsibility for the content we publish.
When mistakes occur, we will:
- Investigate reported errors.
- Correct factual inaccuracies.
- Clarify misleading information.
- Update developing stories where necessary.
We welcome constructive feedback from our readers and treat complaints respectfully.
7. Respect for Individuals
We recognise that journalism can have a significant impact on individuals and communities.
We aim to:
- Treat people with dignity and respect.
- Avoid unnecessary harm.
- Respect privacy where there is no overriding public interest.
- Report sensitively on matters involving children, victims of crime, and vulnerable individuals.
- Avoid discriminatory or prejudicial language.
8. Privacy
We respect the privacy of individuals while recognising that matters of legitimate public interest may justify reporting on personal information.
Personal information is handled in accordance with:
- The Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (POPIA)
- Our Privacy Policy
- Applicable South African law
9. Conflicts of Interest
Editors, journalists, contributors, and freelancers should avoid situations that could compromise—or reasonably appear to compromise—their impartiality.
Team members should disclose any personal, financial, or professional interests that may influence their reporting.
Where a conflict exists, appropriate steps will be taken to manage or avoid it.
10. Gifts and Hospitality
To protect editorial independence, our team should not accept gifts, benefits, or hospitality that could influence—or appear to influence—editorial decisions.
Reasonable hospitality connected to legitimate media events may be accepted where it does not compromise editorial integrity.
11. Plagiarism
HappeningNews has zero tolerance for plagiarism.
We do not knowingly publish material that:
- Copies another person’s work without permission or attribution.
- Misrepresents another author’s work as original.
- Infringes copyright.
Sources are acknowledged where appropriate, and intellectual property rights are respected.
12. Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence may be used as an editorial support tool.
AI may assist with:
- Research
- Drafting
- Editing
- Translation
- Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
- Headline suggestions
- Grammar improvements
- Illustrative image generation
However:
- AI is never a substitute for editorial judgement.
- Human editors remain responsible for every published article.
- AI-generated content is reviewed before publication.
- AI is not used to fabricate news, invent quotations, or create misleading content.
Further details are available in our AI Content Policy.
13. Images and Multimedia
Photographs, videos, graphics, and illustrations should accurately represent the subject matter.
We will not knowingly manipulate visual content in a way that deceives readers.
Illustrative AI-generated images may be used where appropriate and, where practical, identified as such.
14. Sponsored Content
Advertising, sponsored articles, and commercial partnerships are clearly separated from editorial content.
Readers should always be able to distinguish between journalism and advertising.
Commercial partners do not control editorial decisions.
15. Diversity and Inclusion
HappeningNews values diversity and inclusion.
We strive to:
- Represent a broad range of voices and perspectives.
- Treat all people fairly and respectfully.
- Avoid discrimination based on race, gender, age, disability, religion, culture, nationality, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics.
- Promote respectful public discussion.
16. Responsible Reporting
We are committed to responsible reporting on sensitive topics, including:
- Crime
- Tragedies
- Mental health
- Suicide
- Children
- Gender-based violence
- Court proceedings
- Public health
Our aim is to report these issues accurately and sensitively while avoiding unnecessary harm.
17. Compliance with the Law
HappeningNews complies with applicable South African laws, including those relating to:
- Defamation
- Copyright
- Privacy
- Media
- Consumer protection
- Protection of Personal Information (POPIA)
Compliance with the law forms part of our ethical responsibilities but does not replace our commitment to ethical journalism.
18. Continuous Improvement
Journalism continues to evolve alongside technology and audience expectations.
HappeningNews regularly reviews its editorial standards, ethical practices, and internal policies to ensure they remain relevant, responsible, and aligned with recognised industry standards.
19. Contact Us
If you have questions regarding this Code of Ethics or our editorial standards, please contact:
Editorial Team
HappeningNews
Website: https://happeningnews.co.za
Email: womeninmedia@happeningnews.co.za
Related Policies
This Code of Ethics should be read together with our:
- Editorial Policy
- Corrections Policy
- AI Content Policy
- Privacy Policy
- Cookie Policy
- Disclaimer
- Terms and Conditions
Last Updated: 15 July 2026
