The Press Code, as adopted by the Press Council of South Africa, is an industry-regulating code of conduct that guides media practitioners in their behaviour, interactions and the execution of their duties, in the daily practice of gathering and distributing news and opinions. While the country’s laws set a minimum standard for journalists to adhere to, the Press Code takes into account both the ethical as well as the legal requirements on journalists in reporting.  

Knowledge of the Press Code and media law is fundamental to negotiating your way as a journalist or media practitioner in South Africa. The Press Code offers industry-adopted self-regulatory guidelines that protect media practitioners and uphold and promote the rights of freedom of expression and freedom of the press as enshrined in the Constitution of South Africa. 

The Press Code includes regulations and guidelines on the gathering of news and information; media independence and conflict of interests; privacy, dignity and reputation; the protection of personal information; discrimination and hate speech; advocacy; protected comment; reporting on children; violent and graphic content; confidential and anonymous sources; and payment for information. It also covers user-generated content and social media accounts. 

fraycollege consulted South Africa’s top editors and journalists to help you navigate the Press Code and understand your responsibility as a journalist in South Africa. The course should take you a maximum of six weeks, and features an assignment and a final quiz to test your new-found competencies.