The ongoing crisis between King MisuZulu ka Zwelithini and the Ingonyama Trust Board (ITB) has reached a boiling point, with Parliament’s land reform portfolio committee stepping in to mediate the situation. The king recently suspended members of the board and its executives, a move that was deemed unlawful by the land reform and rural development minister, Mzwanele Nyhontso.
The minister intervened to remind the king that he does not have the legal authority to dismiss board members, as they are appointed and removed through a ministerial prerogative. Additionally, the appointment of a legal firm to take over the ITB’s operations was deemed unlawful. Despite this, the lawyers continued to issue instructions on behalf of the king, causing further tension within the organization.
The breakdown in relations between the king and the board stemmed from various issues, including the king’s attempt to appoint his own lawyers to conduct an audit of ITB land. The ITB administers vast tracts of land in KwaZulu-Natal on behalf of the king, generating revenue from mining operations and commercial activities that are meant to benefit the local communities.
While the committee and the minister are eager to resolve the situation amicably, they have acknowledged that the king has overstepped his authority in suspending board members and executives. Nyhontso expressed his willingness to dissolve the board if necessary, but emphasized the importance of following due process.
As tensions continue to rise, the future of the ITB remains uncertain. The committee is scheduled to meet with the king at the end of the month to address the crisis and find a resolution that is in the best interest of all parties involved. The outcome of this meeting will likely have far-reaching implications for the governance of land in KwaZulu-Natal and the relationship between the king and the ITB. The recent dissolution of the board of the Ingonyama Trust Board (ITB) has sparked concerns among committee members, with fears that the decision may be challenged in court. Acting chairperson of the committee, Dumisani Nyhontso, warned that dissolving the board without proper reasons could lead to costly legal battles.
Nyhontso suggested that a thorough inquiry be conducted to investigate the breakdown in relations between the board and the king, as well as the allegations made by both parties. He proposed a three to five-month inquiry to come up with recommendations on how to resolve the impasse.
Committee members expressed worries about the rapid developments in the situation and instructed chairperson Albert Mncwango to write to the king, urging him to hold off on any further actions until after their meeting. Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) MP Sam Matiase voiced concerns about the escalating crisis, stating that the king’s belief in his power to dissolve the board is unfounded.
Matiase emphasized the importance of avoiding public confrontations with the king while still addressing the issues at hand, such as the alleged parallel administration of the ITB from Saxonwold in Johannesburg. Mncwango stressed the need to maintain a constructive dialogue with the king to prevent further complications.
The committee also discussed the negative influence of the legal firm appointed by the king, describing it as a major factor contributing to the tensions. They agreed to request reports from all stakeholders within seven days and review previous presentations and reports on the ITB before their visit to KwaZulu-Natal at the end of the month.
Overall, the committee is working towards finding a resolution to the crisis surrounding the dissolution of the ITB board, while also ensuring that proper procedures are followed to prevent legal challenges. The focus is on fostering constructive dialogue with all parties involved to reach a satisfactory outcome.
