Published in June 2025
International and regional conventions:
- United Nations Convention Against Corruption (2003) (ratified in 2012)
- African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption (2003) (signed in 2004 but not ratified)
- Southern African Development Community (SADC) Protocol Against Corruption, 2001
Legislation:
- Constitution of the Kingdom of Eswatini (Swaziland), 2005
- Article 24 : Guarantees to every individual the right to express their opinions and to receive and impart information without interference.
- Serious Offences (Confiscation of Proceeds) Act, 2001 (Act 8 of 2001)
- The Public Procurement Regulations, 2020 under Section 65 of the Procurement Act, 2011 (Act 7 of 2011)
- Sets a code of conduct for the public procurement sector officials and employees. prohibits suppliers from offering gifts or hospitality to any staff of the procuring entity, members of the tender board, or officials and employees of the Swaziland Public Procurement Agency.
- Suppression of Terrorism Act, 2008 (Act 3 of 2008)
- The Witness Protection Act, 2018
Financial crimes
- Prevention of Corruption Act, 2006 (Act No. 3 of 2006)
- Whistleblower is designated as an “informer”
- Article 56 “Protection of informant”
- Money Laundering (Prevention) Act, 2001 (Act 12 of 2001)
Media and freedom of information
- Official Secrets Act, 1968 (Act 30 of 1968)
- Prohibits any person who has been entrusted with any information from an official source or government from disclosing such information to the prejudice of Eswatini, and is liable on conviction to payment of a fine or 5 years imprisonment or both.
- Sedition and Subversive Activities Act, 1938 (Act 46 of 1938)
- Both the Sedition and Subversive Activities Act and the Official Secrets Act are examples of the serious impediments to media freedoms and the right to freedom of expression in Eswatini.
- The Electronic communications Act, 2013
Institutions:
Programs and policies:
Eswatini is currently at an early stage, with the development of ISO 37002:2021 Whistleblowing Management Systems – Guidelines in collaboration with the Eswatini Standards Authority. Once adopted, the standard will be applicable across both the public and private sectors
Law proposals:
According to the Guidance Note for States parties on sharing information and experiences on protection of
whistle-blowers and other reporting persons of the UNODC, Eswatini declared that they have initiated the development of a whistleblower legislation.
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