AmaZulu king Misuzulu kaZwelithini moves to seize control of the Ingonyama Trust Board.
Image: Supplied
As part of a move to gain control of the Ingonyama Trust Board, amaZulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has announced a high-powered team of legal and cultural experts that will make representations to the amendment of the Ingonyama Trust Act in Parliament next month.
The king is seeking a transfer of all power regarding the board's appointment and removal, which is currently vested in the government, specifically the Minister of Land Reform, Mzwanele Nyhontso, under the existing Act. The monarch wants these powers placed directly under his control.
In a statement on Wednesday, Misuzulu announced a nine-member delegation to Parliament to make representations on the amendment of the government’s powers to appoint the board.
“In advancing this position, His Majesty has deployed the Prime Minister’s Executive Council (PMEC), the highest decision-making body within the Zulu Kingdom, to formally represent the Kingdom in discussions with Parliament. The PMEC delegation will participate in Parliamentary proceedings scheduled for 23 and 24 April 2026, to engage on matters relating to the Ingonyama Trust,” read the statement.
The delegation would be led by Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, Prime Minister of the Zulu nation and chairperson of the delegation. He would be supported by:
In addition, Misuzulu has included Advocate Thembeka Ngcukaitobi, African cultural experts Professor Jabulani Maphalala, and Professor Gugu Mazibuko, to give legal and academic support to the delegation.
Delivering his address to officially open the provincial legislature last month, the king announced the appointment of retired KwaZulu-Natal judge president Mjabuliseni Madondo and Ngcukaitobi to draft an amendment to the Ingonyama Trust Act, which will be presented to members of Parliament for a vote.
willem.phungula@inl.co.za