AI Governance

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy

Effective Date: 19 October 2026

Founder and Publisher: Enos Sambo

1. Introduction

Mpumalanga Local Time is committed to responsible, ethical and transparent journalism. Artificial intelligence may support news production, research and digital publishing, but must never replace editorial responsibility, factual accuracy or journalistic integrity.

2. Human Editorial Responsibility

All published editorial content remains subject to human responsibility and oversight. AI tools may assist journalists and editors, but do not independently determine what constitutes news or whether information is suitable for publication.

The editorial team remains accountable for the accuracy, fairness and integrity of published material.

3. Permitted Uses of AI

AI may assist with grammar, spelling, readability, headline suggestions, content organisation, research, internal summaries, translation, website administration, technical development and accessibility improvements.

AI-assisted information intended for publication must be reviewed and verified where appropriate.

4. Original Journalism

Mpumalanga Local Time values original journalism, independent reporting and authentic community storytelling.

AI-generated material must not be presented as independently witnessed events, original interviews or verified reporting when it is not.

We do not permit the fabrication of interviews, quotations, sources, events or evidence.

AI assistance does not automatically make an article unoriginal. Editorial originality depends on the reporting, research, attribution and substantive work behind the publication.

5. Fact-Checking and Verification

AI-generated responses may contain incorrect, misleading or fabricated information.

Journalists and editors must verify material facts against reliable sources before publication.

AI-generated references, statistics, quotations and claims must not be treated as verified evidence without independent confirmation.

6. AI-Generated Images and Multimedia

AI-generated or significantly AI-altered images, videos and audio must not be presented as authentic documentary evidence.

Where synthetic media could reasonably mislead readers about the authenticity of an event, person or scene, its artificial nature must be clearly disclosed.

7. Transparency and Disclosure

Mpumalanga Local Time supports transparency in the use of artificial intelligence.

Material AI involvement in published editorial content should be disclosed when necessary to prevent readers from being misled.

Routine assistance with spelling, grammar or formatting does not ordinarily require an article-level disclosure.

8. Privacy and Data Protection

Journalists and editorial personnel must exercise care when using AI tools involving personal information, confidential sources or unpublished material.

Sensitive or confidential information must not be submitted to external AI services without appropriate safeguards and authorisation.

Personal information must be handled in accordance with applicable South African data protection requirements, including the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).

9. Editorial Independence

AI tools must not be used to manipulate reporting, manufacture public opinion, fabricate endorsements or deliberately spread misinformation.

Editorial decisions must remain independent of automated recommendations and commercial pressures.

10. Corrections and Accountability

Where an error occurs in AI-assisted content, Mpumalanga Local Time will apply its established editorial corrections procedures.

Readers may report factual inaccuracies, misleading material or concerns about AI use through our newsroom contact channels.

11. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed periodically to reflect developments in artificial intelligence, journalism standards, applicable legislation and newsroom practices.

Editorial enquiries: info@mplocaltime.co.za

Mpumalanga Local Time is committed to responsible technology and trustworthy local journalism.