Former chairperson of KwaZulu-Natal Ingonyama Trust Board, Jeromw Ngwenya, who is rumoured to be linked to a new role at the Zulu royal house.
Image: File
It remains unclear how the Zulu royal house intends to bring former judge Jerome Ngwenya back into the affairs of the iNgonyama Trust Board (ITB), given that he is currently embroiled in a legal battle with the same entity.
Reports that Ngwenya has been appointed as an adviser to King Misuzulu kaZwelithini on ITB-related matters have not been officially confirmed.
The possibility of Ngwenya’s return was raised by the king last month during an imbizo at eMashobeni Royal Palace, reigniting debate around the controversial former ITB chairperson’s role in the trust’s affairs.
Ngwenya, who served the ITB for more than 20 years, was removed in 2023 — a decision that sharply divided traditional leaders. Defying King Misuzulu’s move to oust him, Ngwenya turned to the courts in an effort to overturn then Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Thoko Didiza’s decision to appoint an interim board.
Secretary at the king’s private office, Arnold Nododile Ndamase, said Ngwenya has not been officially appointed as an adviser on ITB matters.
The king’s spokesperson, Prince Thulani kaGqilazi Zulu, referred all questions back to Ndamase, saying he had not been part of the meeting where the matter was discussed.
Ngwenya’s legal troubles, however, continue to cast a long shadow over any possible return.
Last month, the Pietermaritzburg High Court once again dismissed Ngwenya’s bid to appeal a July 2025 ruling that ordered him to account for the disappearance of R30 million belonging to the iNgonyama Trust during his tenure as chairperson.
The funds were proceeds from the trust’s June 2018 sale of land in Hammarsdale to eThekwini Municipality. Ngwenya had instructed that the money be transferred into the trust account of his legal representatives, Jafta Incorporated.
The court previously ruled that Ngwenya moved the funds without authorisation from the ITB. Although some of his assets have since been attached in an effort to recover the money, he is separately appealing that ruling.
Acting Judge Jennifer Marion dismissed both Ngwenya’s application for condonation and his appeal, ordering him to pay costs.
The renewed debate over Ngwenya’s possible involvement comes at a time of heightened tensions over the future of the iNgonyama Trust.
Recently, Minister of Land Reform Mzwanele Nyhontso unsuccessfully attempted to disband the iNgonyama Trust Board, while King Misuzulu is simultaneously pushing for amendments to the law governing the trust to grant him greater authority in appointing board members.
Last week, the king travelled to Parliament to lobby political parties for support, setting the stage for what could become a major battle over control of one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most influential land institutions.