Yetu media services — including the Mamela.org platform — exist to amplify the voices of organisations and individuals from the marginalised majority. We provide journalists, researchers, and the public with sources of news and comment beyond the echo chamber of South Africa's urban elite.

Whether through Mamela or other Yetu-managed channels, our purpose is to ensure that progressive civil society, community-based groups and grassroots movements are heard, connected, and can shape the national discourse on their own terms.

The Constitution of South Africa grants everyone the right to freedom of expression, which includes freedom of the press and other media, freedom to receive and impart information or ideas; freedom of artistic creativity; academic freedom and freedom of scientific research.

We enjoy legally protected freedom of expression because of people's struggle for democracy. It is a right we must practise, celebrate, defend and advance.

Freedom of expression does not extend to: propaganda for war; incitement of imminent violence; or advocacy of hatred that is based on race, ethnicity, gender or religion, and that constitutes incitement to cause harm.

Freedom of expression in South Africa is more a privilege than a right as the voices of the marginalised majority and progressive civil society are grossly underrepresented in the mass media that shapes the national discourse. Mass media newsrooms are understaffed as owners seek to cut costs and maximise profits. Otherwise professional ethical journalists lack the resources to report and are overly dependent on the Public Relations industry and 'official sources' from government, big business and the academy for news and comment.

Yetu’s media platforms — especially Mamela — are a direct response to this structural exclusion: we put the means of publishing back into the hands of communities.

All Yetu media services are built on a foundation of shared values. Members, contributors and partners are expected to uphold:

• Equality – social, economic and political equality for all
• Gender liberation – dismantling patriarchy and all forms of gender-based oppression
• Anti-racism – actively confronting racism and colonial legacies
• Solidarity – standing with working class, landless, and marginalised communities
• Participatory democracy – decision‑making that includes those most affected
• Environmental and economic justice – fair distribution of resources and protection of our planet

We stand for democracy, feminism, dignity, peace, free expression, and transparency — and stand against racism, patriarchy, authoritarianism, imperialism, colonialism, exploitation, profiteering, and corporate control.

To serve as a reliable and credible source of news and comment across all Yetu platforms, we commit ourselves to accuracy, truthfulness and integrity. This means:

• We will only publish content that is accurate and factual;
• We will not omit any pertinent facts;
• We will only share opinions that are mandated by our organisations (individual members speak on behalf of their organisation when posting);
• We will be open and responsive to all feedback including complaints, as per the Accountability & Feedback Procedure.

Every organisation or contributor using Yetu services (including Mamela) is expected to fact‑check and verify content before submission. Misinformation or deliberate falsehoods undermine our collective credibility and will be treated as serious violations.

Yetu operates internet platforms (including Mamela.org) as a service provider. Legal liability for content posted rests with the organisation or individual that posted said content. By publishing, each member organisation or contributor accepts full responsibility for the accuracy, legality, and consequences of their posts.

Yetu Cooperative (as platform administrator) does not endorse, verify, or assume liability for user-generated content, but reserves the right to act in accordance with this Editorial Policy when violations occur.

As we strive to uphold our Editorial Policy we will be open and responsive to all feedback. The following procedure governs complaints, investigations, and sanctions for all Yetu media platforms (including Mamela).

1. Contact contributors – Anyone can contact any contributor using the contact information provided with the content (email, phone, or profile link, where made available).
2. Lodging a complaint – Anyone can lodge a complaint in writing via email to editorial@yetu.coop. The complainant must provide their name, contact details, and reference the aspect of the Editorial Policy they believe has been violated, as well as the specific content (link or description).
3. Initial assessment – Yetu moderators will acknowledge receipt within five working days and assess whether the complaint falls under the scope of this policy.
4. Immediate removal (major violation) – If Yetu moderators decide the complaint is potentially a major violation of the Editorial Code, they may remove the content immediately from the platform until the complaint has been resolved.
5. No merit decision – If Yetu moderators decide the complaint has no merit, they will inform the complainant that no further action will be taken, and that the complainant has the right to pursue the matter with the Human Rights Commission, through the courts, or any other appropriate forum.
6. Further consideration – If moderators decide the complaint requires further consideration:
   • The complainant is informed that an investigation has been launched;
   • The organisation or contributor concerned receives a copy of the complaint and has one week to submit a response;
   • Moderators may correspond with the respondent for clarity (response within one week);
   • Moderators may approach the complainant or any third parties to gather additional information.
7. No merit after investigation – If moderators decide the complaint has no merit after investigation, they inform both parties. The content (if removed) is republished, and the complainant retains their right to external recourse.
8. Merit – minor violation – In case of a minor violation:
   • Issue the organisation or contributor with a written warning;
   • The warning remains in place for 12 months.
9. Merit – major violation – In case of a major violation, moderators may:
   • Permanently remove the offending content from the platform;
   • Suspend the offending organisation or contributor from publishing on Yetu platforms for up to 12 months;
   • Expel the offending organisation or contributor from Yetu services permanently.
10. Written notification – In all cases of action, both the complainant and the respondent are informed in writing.
11. Definition of major offences – Offences are considered major if:
    • A third minor offence occurs within 12 months;
    • The offence constitutes gross negligence in terms of truthfulness;
    • The offence constitutes hate speech or incitement to war as per the South African Constitution.
12. Appeals – All decisions of Yetu moderators can be appealed to the Yetu General Secretary within one week, stating the basis for the appeal.
    • The General Secretary reviews all correspondence and may collect additional information;
    • A ruling is made within one month of the appeal being lodged;
    • The General Secretary's ruling is final;
    • Both the organisation and complainant are informed in writing of the outcome.
13. Record keeping – A record of all correspondence will be kept on file for transparency and continuity.

For any questions regarding this policy or to submit a formal complaint, please contact editorial@yetu.coop. For general inquiries, you may reach us at info@yetu.coop.