How Do we Fact-Check
Fact-checkers look for claims to fact-check in transcripts (interviews or Speeches), major political and current affairs shows, news stories, radio interviews and discussions, social media, party manifestos and press releases.
We also do a comparative analysis of topical issues (corruption) that become a point of contention between political opponents and present the basic facts on such issues for readers to draw their own conclusions.
Only news worthy claims are checked and the following criteria are taken into consideration;
- Is the statement verifiable?
- Is the claim significant?
- Is the claim thought to be misleading?
- Is the claim likely to be repeated as fact during public discourse?
- Would the average person be misled by the claim?
- Opinions do not count.
As part of our work we prioritise building a network of independent expert sources in various fields. This is to enable us have as many on-the-record or in-person sources as possible for verification. Such sources complement our routine fact-checking processes, which involve: contacting the persons or institutions that make the claims and those about whom the claims are made; consulting public policy documents and research reports; doing thorough google searches for online databases; and comparing with the outcomes of previous fact-checking findings (if any) on the same claims.
To enable others verify our reports and conclusions, we are transparent with our sources. We cite all sources consulted so that readers can challenge our verdicts or provide us with additional affirming sources or those that challenge our conclusions.
What are our Verdicts
Entirely True – The statement is accurate and there’s nothing significant missing.
Mostly True – The statement is accurate but needs clarification or additional information.
Half True – The statement is partially inaccurate but contains some element of truth.
Mostly False – The statement contains some element of truth but ignores critical facts that could give a different impression.
Completely False – The statement is entirely inaccurate
True but misleading – The statement is wholly or mostly true but contains some elements that are deceptive.
Not verifiable – The statement is difficult to verify because there exist no current and aggregated data to assist in verifying the statement.
