Title: Code of Conduct for Uniformed Members of the SANDF


Date: 15/02/2000
Language: english

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR UNIFORMED MEMBERS OF THE SANDF

I pledge to serve and defend my country and its people in accordance with the Constitution and the law and with honour, dignity, courage and integrity.

I serve in the SANDF with loyalty and pride, as a citizen and a volunteer.

I respect the democratic political process and civil control of the SANDF.

I will not advance or harm the interests of any political party or organisation.

I accept personal responsibility for my actions.

I will obey all lawful commands and respect all superiors.

I will refuse to obey an obviously illegal order.

I will carry out my mission with courage and assist my comrades-in-arms, even at the risk of my own life.

I will treat all people fairly and respect their rights and dignity at all times, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, culture, language or sexual orientation.

I will respect and support subordinates and treat them fairly.

I will not abuse my authority, position or public funds for personal gain, political motive or any other reason.

I will report criminal activity, corruption and misconduct to the appropriate authority.

I will strive to improve the capabilities of the SANDF by maintaining discipline, safeguarding property,

developing skills and knowledge, and performing my duties diligently and professionally.


Rules of War

In situations of armed conflict I will abide by the rules of international humanitarian law as contained in the Geneva Conventions:

I will fight only enemy combatants and attack only military objectives.

I will employ methods of attack to achieve the military objective with the least amount of harm to civilian life and property.

I will not attack or harm enemy personnel who surrender. I will disarm them and treat them as prisoners of war.

I will not kill, torture or abuse prisoners of war.

I will not alter weapons or ammunition for the deliberate purpose of increasing suffering.

I will collect and care for the wounded, shipwrecked and sick, whether friend or foe.

I will treat all civilians humanely.

I will not tolerate or engage in rape or looting.

I will respect all cultural objects and places of worship.

I will respect all persons and objects bearing the Red Cross, Red Crescent and other recognised symbols of humanitarian agencies.

I understand that disobeying these rules is a crime. It dishonours military personnel and their country, and makes them liable to punishment as war criminals. I will therefore report any violation of the rules to my superiors


Source:
South African Department of Defence
www.mil.za
Reproduced with permission