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Our site is full of information

There’s news, resources for the media and the public, history, guidance notes, information about press freedom, an emphasis on African articles and, of course, all the rulings since 2012. Type in a word or a term, or use the down ‘v’ arrow in the search bar to refine your search. Choose, for example, ‘All Rulings’ in the above-right ‘Select Category’ menu to start your search for decisions of the Ombuds or the Appeals Panel. And remember that our site is available in seven languages. Tell us about your experience with the Press Council and the Ombuds and make suggestions on how we can improve to [email protected]

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. 

Rulings
Press Code Languages
Members

How to complain

  • 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. 

English

Download the Press Code in English.

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.