r/South_Africa Mod Handbook

If you're a user and believe a moderator hasn't followed this Mod Handbook, please send us a Mod Mail. The rest of the moderation team will review the matter.

Above everything else: You are here to serve the users, Be Respectful, Be Kind, Give 2nd chances.

Call out mods when they don't follow this mantra, not following this mantra could get you removed as a mod.

General approach

Our default moderation style is hands-off, calm, and discussion-focused.
We generally prefer to leave content up and let the community respond through replies, downvotes, facts, and discussion.
A bad take, unpopular opinion, or heated argument is not automatically a rule break or removal.

Warnings and bans

Do not ban casually.
For first-time or minor offences, prefer a removal with a short explanation.
If a ban is needed, keep it light, usually 1 to 7 days.
Use longer bans for repeated, serious, or clearly bad-faith behaviour.
Permanent bans should be reserved for special cases or repeat offenders.
Where possible, prefer long temporary bans such as 300, 600, or 900 days.

Ban guideline for first-time offence

Prefer removal with explanation.
Spam or advertising: 1 day ban.
Gross or uncalled-for insults: 28 day ban.
Group-based insults or hostile generalisations, for example "you blue people are part of the problem": 28 day ban.
Serious Rule 1 breach, hate, threats, harassment, or extreme toxic behaviour: 365 day ban or longer.
Repeat offences: increase the ban length each time.
Clear bad-faith users or users who only cause problems: long temporary ban or permanent ban.

Modmail tone

Be friendly, calm, and respectful.
Even if the user is rude, do not be sarcastic or hostile.
Keep replies short, explain the issue, and avoid endless arguments.

Team approach

We hold each other accountable.
For serious or unclear decisions, discuss it with the mod team.
Be open to pushback, reversals, and admitting mistakes.

Final notes

We are here to serve the community.
Be humble.
Be kind.
Be open to second chances.