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The office of AmaZulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini says the king will meet with the minister of land reform and rural development. (Jabulani Langa/City Press)
- The office of AmaZulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini says the king will meet with the minister of land reform and rural development.
- The meeting is expected to discuss issues surrounding the governance of the Ingonyama Trust Board.
- It will take place at the KwaKhangelamankengane Royal Palace, KwaNongoma, in KwaZulu-Natal.
AmaZulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini is expected to meet with Land Reform and Rural Development Minister Mzwanele Nyhontso to iron out their differences over the management of the Ingonyama Trust Board.
According to the king's private office, the meeting is expected to take place on Tuesday at KwaKhangelamankengane Royal Palace, KwaNongoma, at 10:00.
The office said in a statement, "The private office of the king wishes to inform the public and all media houses that His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini will hold a meeting with Minister Mzwanele Nyhontso, Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development, to finalise matters concerning the Ingonyama Trust Board (ITB).
"This engagement underscores His Majesty's commitment to protecting and managing land under the Ingonyama Trust in the best interests of the Zulu Nation. The discussions will focus on critical issues regarding governance, land administration, and the future role of the Trust."
News24 reported last month a legal opinion found the king did not have the power to suspend members of the ITB.
READ | 'No confidence': Ingonyama Trust Board has become hostile, non-cooperative, claims AmaZulu king
In the legal opinion, addressed to Secretary of Parliament Xolile George and Land Reform Portfolio Committee chairperson Mangaqa Albert Mncwango – dated 10 February – chief parliamentary legal advisor Zuraya Adhikarie said her office, the Constitutional and Legal Services Office, was requested to advise the committee on how it should respond to governance challenges at the ITB.
To be more specific, she added, the office was asked to provide clarity on whether the king, who is the sole trustee of the Ingonyama Trust and chairperson of the board, had the power to suspend board members or disband the board.
Her office was also requested to provide insight into the legal foundations of the Ingonyama Trust and its board, and how the trust differed from other ordinary trusts.
The opinion comes after the king suspended six senior members of the ITB in December – including Vela Mngwengwe and chief financial officer Siyamdumisa Vilakazi – pending a forensic audit of its financial affairs.
