Swazi Environmental Legislation

Swaziland Acts of Parliament

The Water Act, 2003 (Act No. 5 of 2003)
This Act is intended to harmonise the management of water resources in the country. Its provisions include the establishment of a National Water Authority, and of a Water Resources Master Plan. This plan will contain an inventory of the total water resources of Swaziland, and a comprehensive programme of action in which the maximum value can be obtained from this resource for the benefit of the people of Swaziland.

The Environmental Management Act, 2002
This Act is intended to provide and promote the enhancement, protection and conservation of the environment and the sustainable management of natural resources. It also turned the SEA into a body corporate and established the Swaziland Environment Fund. By the Swaziland Environmental Authority Act of 1992, the SEA has the power to halt any and all developments that have not been adequately scrutinised for their environmental impact.

The Swaziland Tourism Authority Act, 2001
An Act to make provision for the establishment of the Swaziland Tourism Authority.

The Flora Protection Act, 2000
An Act to protect the indigenous flora of Swaziland.

The Environmental Audit, Assessment and Review Regulations, 2000
The EAAR Regulations under the administration of the SEA, initially promulgated in 1996 and revised in 2000, requires that the proponent of a 'proposed project which requires a permit, licence, approval or other consent from an authorising agency' needs to undertake a systematic examination of the environmental impact of the proposed project to determine whether or not the activity will have any adverse impacts on the environment and prepare a mitigation plan to manage the resulting impacts.

The Waste Regulations, 2000
Regulations for the management of solid waste and liquid waste disposed of on land.

The Water Pollution Control Regulations, 1999 (draft)
Regulations for the control and management of water quality.

The Air Pollution Control Regulations, 1999 (draft)
Regulations for the control and management of air quality.

The Swazi Administration Order, 1998
This Order, assented to by His Majesty on 13th November 1998, provides the incorporation of the law governing appointment, removal and functions of Chiefs and Tindvuna into the law relating to the administration of Swazi Affairs. It repeals the 1950 Act.

The Rating Act, 1995
An Act to repeal and replace the Rating Act, 1967.

Swaziland Environment Authority Act, 1992
This Act, under the administration of the MTEC, makes provision for the establishment of the Swaziland Environment Authority, its functions and powers, composition, meetings, appointment of Director, preparation of annual reports, remuneration of members, offences and fines, appeals by aggrieved persons, making of regulations, and supremacy. Important Regulations have been added to this Act, namely the Environmental Audit, Assessment and Review Regulations 2000 and the Waste Regulations 2000.

The Human Settlements Authority Act, 1988 as amended in 1992 (Act No. 13 OF 1992)
An Act to establish the Human Settlements Authority.

The Game Act (Amended), 1991
An Act to amend the Game Act, 1953 and to provide for matters incidental thereto.

The National Trust Commission Act, 1973
An Act to provide for the operation of cultural institutions and the proclamation and management of national parks, monuments and related matters. This Act grants the National Trust Commission powers to proclaim national parks and monuments. It can acquire or alienate movable and immovable property subject to this Act with the approval of the Deputy Prime Minister. Any doubts or clarification of this Act require the Minister to obtain the decision of the Ngwenyama in writing which decision shall be final and binding to all concerned.

The Town Planning Act, 1961
An Act to make provision for the preparation and carrying out of town planning schemes.

The Game Act, 1953
An Act to amend the laws dealing with the preservation of game, and to provide for the preservation of other types of wild life in Swaziland.

The Protection of Fresh Water Fish Act, 1938
An Act to make provision for the protection of fresh water fish.

The Wild Birds Protection Act, 1914
An Act to prohibit with certain exceptions the sale and exportation of the plumage and skins of wild birds and to provide for the protection of birds.

From the FAOLEX website ...

Natural Resources Act, 1951 (No. 71 of 1951) [pdf]

National Trust Commission Act, 1972

Urban Government Act 1969 (No. 8 of 1969)

Purification of industrial water and effluent Regulation

Land Survey Act 1961 (No. 46 of 1961)

Land Survey Regulations 1961

Summary of Environmental Legislation in Swaziland

Swaziland Bills

The Draft Swaziland Public Health Bill, 1999 (318k)

This page was last updated on 25 November 2004