A smart prompt does not ask AI to write the story. It asks AI to help you report it better.

Right now in South Africa, strong examples include the widening SAPS corruption scandal involving senior officers, the planned deployment of about 800 soldiers to gang-hit parts of the Cape Flats from 1 April, and market attention on the SARB rate decision with the rand under pressure.

❌ Instead of prompting like this:
“Summarise the latest SAPS scandal.”

✅ Try this:
“Based on the latest reporting, identify the key confirmed facts, the biggest unresolved questions, the most important missing documents, and the best interview targets for a follow-up story. Clearly separate evidence from allegation.”

❌ Instead of:
“Write me an article on the Cape Flats troop deployment.”

✅ Try this:
“Map the likely effects of the planned troop deployment on residents, SAPS, schools, transport, local businesses and civil liberties. For each, suggest reporting angles, source types, and questions that still need answering.”

❌ Instead of:
“Explain the SARB decision.”

✅ Try this:
“Using the latest market coverage, explain what changed, what economists expected, who is most affected, and what a consumer reporter should investigate next. Mark clearly where interpretation begins.”

🛠️ A useful formula:
story + task + evidence rules + output format + newsroom purpose

📝 Example:
“Using the latest reliable reporting on [story], list confirmed facts, disputed claims, reporting gaps, public records to request, expert sources to call, and 5 sharper follow-up angles. Do not invent quotes, numbers or legal details.”

That is where good prompting starts to become actual journalism rather than very polished laziness.

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