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CHAPTER V
DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES OF STATE POLICY
AND DUTIES OF THE CITIZEN
General objectives
56.
(1)
The Directive Principles of State Policy contained in this Chapter shall guide all
organs and agencies of the State, citizens, organisations and other bodies and persons in
applying or interpreting this Constitution or any other law and in taking and implementing any
policy decisions, for the establishment of a just, free and democratic society.
(2)
The Prime Minister shall report to Parliament at least once a year all the steps taken
to ensure the realization of the directive principles contained in this Chapter.
(3).
The provisions of sections 57 to 63 inclusive are not enforceable in any court or
tribunal.
(4)
The distribution of powers and functions as well as checks and balances provided for
in this Constitution among the various organs and institutions of Government shall be
supported through the provision of adequate resources for their effective functioning at all
levels.
Law enforcement objectives
57.
(1)
Law enforcement officials shall at all times fulfil the duty imposed upon them by the
law by serving the community and by protecting all persons against illegal acts, consistent
with the high degree of responsibility required by their profession.
(2)
In the performance of their duty, law enforcement officials shall respect and protect
human dignity and maintain and uphold the human rights of all persons.
(3)
Law enforcement officials may not inflict, instigate or tolerate any act of torture or
other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, nor may any law enforcement
official invoke superior orders or exceptional circumstances as a justification of torture or
other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
(4)
Law enforcement officials shall not commit any act of corruption. They shall also
rigorously oppose and combat all those acts.
Political objectives
58.
(1)
Swaziland shall be a democratic country dedicated to principles which empower and
encourage the active participation of all citizens at all levels in their own governance.
(2)
In the conduct of public affairs the State shall be guided by the principle of
decentralisation and devolution of governmental functions and powers to the people at
appropriate levels where the people can best manage and direct their own affairs.
(3)
The State shall cultivate among all the people of Swaziland through various
measures including civic education respect for fundamental human rights and freedoms and
the dignity of the human person.
(4)
All associations aspiring to manage and direct public affairs shall conform to
democratic principles in their internal organisations and practice.
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