● ZimTracker follows a systematic process to identify a topic, an issue or claim to fact check that is in the public domain. Readers can also suggest issues that they feel need to be fact checked by ZimTracker.
ZimTracker, does not just debunk issues but can also pre-bunk them. The fact checking and media literacy platform reports on issues and topics/pictures that need to be fact checked even before they are addressed by the policy makers or private office bearers. That way, it will jolt them to account.
Sources of issues to fact check include-but are not limited to-mainstream and social media platforms, high profile political debates, government and opposition officials’ remarks or speeches, private officer bearer’s claims, state of the nation addresses and policy pronouncements.
● ZimTracker fact checkers will research on it and then correct some half-truths, lies or exaggerations both on social and mainstream media. ZimTracker dedicated fact checkers will go out widely to find supporting facts and sift fiction. This includes, firstly, consulting and reaching out to the persons or organisations who have made claims to see their sources and supporting documents, reviewing other sources of primary information, consulting experts and people in the know and giving persons/organisations concerned their right of reply. If the source of the claim to be fact checked is unreachable, our fact checkers are obliged to state that in the report and update the story once the originators of that information fact checked are available.
● When a fact check is written, the reports go through a vigorous editing process that also involves other fact checkers, an editor and a lawyer. For images, ZimTracker uses online tools and geo-location facilities to verify whether an image is false, used in the wrong context or out rightly fake.
ZimTracker carefully selects the right words to avoid further harming or victimising the victims. The media non-profit does fact-checks in an engaging and interactive manner.
ZimTracker will inspect the evidence based on available credible data and will set out the findings. The verdict of a claim/assertion ranges from being correct, mostly correct, unproven, misleading, exaggerated, understated, taken out of context or out rightly incorrect.
Corrections policy:
● In the rare event that a mistake has been made in fact-checked reports, a source will reach out to ZimTracker and raise an alert or complaint.
● ZimTracker will go back and revise its claim.
● ZimTracker will retract or re-write the report.
While ZimTracker strives for accuracy, fact checking is a highly challenging and delicate job. Putting claims through a dedicated fact-checking process can be daunting and mistakes cannot be ruled out.
Our readers can raise quiries/complaints by sending an email on the following addresses:
waltermarwizi@yahoo.comerated, understated or out rightly incorrect.
ZimTracker 