King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has assumed the role of chairman of the Ingonyama Trust Board (ITB), marking a significant shift in leadership for the board overseeing vast land holdings in KwaZulu-Natal.
Clarifying the legal standing of this decision, the Department of Agriculture affirmed that King Misuzulu’s appointment as chairperson is permissible under the law, given his status as the sole trustee of the board.
This change in leadership comes following the dismissal of Chief Thanduyise Mzimela by the Zulu monarch, who subsequently appointed himself as the new chairperson of the ITB.
King Misuzulu’s appointment as chairperson makes him the first monarch to assume this position in the history of the ITB, highlighting the evolving dynamics within the board.
While this decision has sparked scrutiny, the Department of Agriculture reiterated that the law explicitly allows the Zulu monarch to chair the board or nominate a representative. In this instance, King Misuzulu exercised his authority to personally chair the ITB.
According to Department spokesperson Reggie Ngcobo, the Zulu monarch, in his capacity as chairperson, will be required to appear before Parliament to provide accountability and transparency regarding the operations of the Ingonyama Trust. This accountability mechanism mirrors the obligations of previous chairpersons who have appeared before Parliament to report on the activities of the ITB as mandated by the ITB Act.
The Ingonyama Trust Board manages significant land holdings in KwaZulu-Natal and generates substantial revenue through land leasing arrangements. The appointment of King Misuzulu as chairperson signifies a new chapter in the governance of the ITB and underscores the legal authority vested in the Zulu monarch to lead the board.