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The Press Code
The Press Council is the custodian of the Code of Ethics and Conduct for South African Print and Online Media (the Press Code). The Code is the foundation of the independent,
co-regulatory Press Council.
LODGING A COMPLAINT?
If you wish to complain about an article published in print and/or online, you may use our online Complaints Form below. But, please, first read the General Information.
News and discussions
How to complain
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You can complain about anything that concerns you directly, or on behalf of another person if you have that person’s permission, or as a member of, or in the interests of, a group. You cannot complain on behalf of another person if you do not have that person’s permission.
Promoting press freedom.
The Press Code
The Code of Ethics and Conduct for South African Print and Online Media is a remarkable instrument for fairness in our country. A free media delivers the information we need to form opinions, this freedom earned through the Constitution. Journalists must commit to the highest standards to keep your trust. If you feel they have not done so, the Press Code is an essential device to understand if you have a case and thereafter to state it clearly, at no cost. It is vital that the Code is not exclusive, thus there are translations on our site from English into isiXhosa, Tshivenda, Sepedi, isiZulu, Xitsonga and Afrikaans allowing you to read it in a language of your choice in full.
The Press Code translations were made possible with the support of fraymedia Foundation.
Defending free speech.
Subscriber publications
Print and online publications and organisations that subscribe to the Constitution of the Press Council, the Press Code and the Complaints Procedures may be accepted as subscriber publications after completing an application form and paying an annual fee set by the Council. At its sole discretion, the Council may allow select publications to subscribe without paying a fee. Subscription confirms an obligation to clearly display the logo of the Council, publicise and adhere to the Complaints Procedures, promote the work of the Council, display the Press Code in newsrooms and online and ensure that all practising journalists are familiar with the Code and its application.