LEFT-CENTER BIAS
These media sources have a slight to moderate liberal bias. They often publish factual information that utilizes loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by using appeal to emotion or stereotypes) to favor liberal causes. These sources are generally trustworthy for information, but may require further investigation. See all Left-Center sources.
- Overall, we rate GroundUp as Left-Center Biased due to its strong emphasis on social and economic justice, anti-corporate tone, and advocacy for underrepresented populations. It earns a High factual rating based on consistent original reporting, strong sourcing practices, and transparency regarding funding and governance.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: LEFT-CENTER (-4.8)
Factual Reporting: HIGH (1.2)
Country: South Africa
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Organization/Foundation
Traffic/Popularity: Medium Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY
History
GroundUp is a South African non-profit news agency founded in 2012 to publish human-rights–focused, public-interest journalism that is free to read and republish. It began as a joint project of Community Media Trust (CMT) and the University of Cape Town’s Centre for Social Science Research, but became an independent, stand-alone non-profit company in June 2020. The About page also lists company, NPO, and PBO registration details and affirms adherence to the Press Council’s code.
Read our profile on South Africa’s media and government.
Funded by / Ownership
GroundUp is independently governed (director and board). The outlet states that it relies solely on donations, does not promote any political party or donor agendas, and discloses its institutional funders, amounts, and independently reviewed/audited financial statements on its Funding and Finances page. The page also notes the transition to independence on June 10, 2020, and includes salary bands and line-item income by donor for each financial year.
Analysis / Bias
GroundUp’s content centers on the rights of poor and working-class South Africans, often covering labor disputes, evictions, service delivery failures, education access, and corruption. Articles such as:
- “Immigrant workers face dismissal after winning CCMA case”
- “Part of pensioner’s mud house collapsed during heavy rainfall”
- “Hundreds join Human Rights Festival at Constitution Hill”
reflect a consistent social justice orientation, advocating for vulnerable populations.
An international example of editorial bias is evident in this article, which harshly criticizes Donald Trump’s trade policy, describing it as “punishing” and “illogical.” While this aligns with an economic justice perspective, the tone signals an ideological leaning rather than a balanced international analysis.
GroundUp articles are reasonably sourced, with many pieces referencing institutions (e.g., court rulings, local councils).
Failed Fact Checks
- None in the Last 5 years
Overall, we rate GroundUp as Left-Center Biased due to its strong emphasis on social and economic justice, anti-corporate tone, and advocacy for underrepresented populations. It earns a High factual rating based on consistent original reporting, strong sourcing practices, and transparency regarding funding and governance. (D. Van Zandt 04/13/2025) Updated (10/12/2025)
Source: https://groundup.org.za/
Last Updated on October 12, 2025 by Media Bias Fact Check
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Left vs. Right Bias: How we rate the bias of media sources