In a move to restore credibility and enhance accountability within its academic research system, South Africa has launched an updated Code of Best Practice in Scholarly Journal Publishing, Editing, and Peer Review, setting new ethical benchmarks for the country’s scholarly publishing sector.
The 2025 edition of the code, released by the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), modernises editorial and peer review standards to reflect emerging ethical challenges, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI), predatory publishing, data transparency, and diversity in editorial governance.
Now in its third iteration since 2004, the code arrives amid heightened scrutiny of South Africa’s research subsidy model, which has been criticised for incentivising quantity over quality. A recent study by the Centre for Research on Evaluation, Science and Technology (CREST) revealed that over 14,000 papers published in predatory journals between 2005 and 2023 cost the country an estimated R319 million (US$18 million) in public subsidies.
“This code arrives at a critical moment,” said Professor Jonathan Mouton, CREST Director. “We’re seeing a systemic risk to research credibility if we don’t close ethical and regulatory gaps.”
While the code is voluntary, it is widely recognised as an authoritative guide and aligns with the Department of Higher Education and Training’s (DHET) Research Output Policy. It has been endorsed by the National Research Foundation (NRF) and Universities South Africa (USAf), making it a powerful tool for institutional self-regulation.
Key Updates in the 2025 Code
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Artificial Intelligence Use: The code draws a firm ethical line on AI, stating that AI tools do not qualify for authorship, and any use must be transparently disclosed and reviewed editorially.
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Diverse Editorial Boards: Journals are now encouraged to ensure geographic, institutional, and demographic diversity on their boards.
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Strengthened Peer Review: Mandatory double-anonymous peer review and transparent archiving of rejected manuscripts have been introduced to bolster trust and traceability.
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Conflict of Interest Declarations: All reviewers must now disclose potential conflicts.
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Open Access and Data Transparency: Authors must demonstrate ethical clearance, share underlying datasets, and comply with reproducibility standards.
The code also discourages excessive self-citation, a tactic often used to game journal metrics, and pushes for open-access publishing models that improve equity and access in knowledge dissemination.
Led by the National Scholarly Editors’ Forum (NSEF), the updated code was developed through an extensive consultative process involving journal editors, publishers, and researchers across South Africa. Rather than relying on external enforcement, ASSAf’s approach centres on community-driven accountability and cultural transformation.
“This isn’t about policing. It’s about protecting the integrity of our scholarship,” said an ASSAf representative.
As South Africa continues to expand its research output and global partnerships, the 2025 code is being hailed as a timely and necessary tool to safeguard the standards of academic excellence and rebuild trust in its scholarly ecosystem.
Article by Nyokabi Wanjiku
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