Funding & Ownership Policy
Threadline funding, ownership and editorial independence policy.
THREADLINE FUNDING & OWNERSHIP POLICY
1. Ownership
Threadline Media Group (Pty) Ltd is 100% black-owned by South African youth.
Owner: Sipho | Age: Youth as defined by NYDA 18-35
CIPC Registration: K2026432873
This ownership structure does not influence our editorial decisions.
2. Funding Independence - Press Council Code Section 7
Threadline's editorial content is independent of all funders. We accept funding only if it does not affect what we publish or how we cover it. Any sponsor, advertiser, or donor who tries to influence coverage will be declined.
3. Sources of Funding
Threadline is funded through:
- Advertising: display ads and sponsored content
- Grants: media development grants from local or international organisations
- Donations: reader support if added later
- Services: content or production work for clients unrelated to news coverage
4. Sponsored Content and Advertising - Press Council Code Section 8
Paid or sponsored content will be clearly marked "Advertorial", "Sponsored by" or "Partner Content". Sponsored content will never be disguised as news. Our newsroom and ad sales are separate. Advertisers cannot kill or change news stories. We do not accept payment to publish or remove news. If we make a mistake, we correct it for free according to our Editorial Code.
5. Grants and Donors
If Threadline receives grants from NGOs, foundations, or foreign funders, we will disclose the funder name and purpose of the grant. Grant money funds operations or technology, not specific stories. Funders have zero editorial control.
6. Conflicts of Interest
Threadline journalists will disclose if they have financial or personal ties to anyone they cover. If a conflict exists, another reporter handles the story.
7. Complaints
If you believe funding influenced a Threadline story, email info@tmgnews.co.za. We will investigate and publish findings if needed. Formal complaints can be lodged through the T.M.G NEWS complaints page: https://tmgnews.co.za/complaints
Last updated: April 2026
T.M.G NEWS