The urgency of the meeting with King Misuzulu reflects the committee’s commitment to resolving the issues surrounding the Ingonyama Trust, which remain a priority. Picture: Bongani Mbatha/African News Agency (ANA)
THE Portfolio Committee on Land Reform and Rural Development has resolved to urgently meet with King Misuzulu ka Zwelithini in a significant move that reflects the increasing tensions within the Ingonyama Trust Board (ITB).
This decision follows the King’s recent suspension of the ITB, raising pressing concerns about the governance of this crucial public entity.
During a morning meeting, committee members held discussions with Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development Mzwanele Nyhontso, seeking clarity on the unfolding situation.
The committee emphasised to the minister that it was imperative to not only address governance challenges legally but also to re-establish trust between the involved parties. “A breakdown of trust and relations should be addressed as a matter of urgency,” committee chairperson Albert Mncwango said in a statement.
The committee's recognition of the Ingonyama Trust's role in land management for the benefit of deserving communities emphasised the trust's importance, and by extension, the ITB.
“The suspension of the Board in its entirety can negatively affect the Ingonyama Trust's business,” warned Mncwango, highlighting potential exacerbation of existing operational challenges.
In response to this instability, the committee intends to conduct an oversight visit to the ITB to directly interact with stakeholders and acquire a thorough knowledge of the existing difficulties.
It said: “It is critical that we engage with the King and relevant stakeholders to ensure that the current situation does not negatively affect the administration of the Trust and promote stability within the Board.”
Recognising their legislative responsibilities, the committee underscored that Sections 42(3) and 55(2) of the Constitution bind them to scrutinise and oversee executive actions, affirming their commitment to holding all executive organs of state accountable.
“Parliament and the National Assembly are obligated to maintain oversight of the national executive authority, including the implementation of legislation,” Mncwango noted.
The urgency of the meeting with King Misuzulu reflects the committee’s commitment to resolving the issues surrounding the Ingonyama Trust, which remain a priority. “The relationship of the Board and the King as the sole Trustee is vitally important for good corporate governance of the entity,” Mncwango said.
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As the situation develops, the nation watches closely, aware that the resolution of these governance issues could significantly impact the communities relying on the Ingonyama Trust for their livelihoods.
sizwe.dlamini@inl.co.za
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