By Sihle Mavuso
The battle for the soul of the Ingonyama Trust in KwaZulu-Natal has taken another turn, with the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (Contralesa) entering the fray and expressing its backing of the axed board.
The chairperson of the ANC-aligned Contralesa in the province, Inkosi Thulasizwe Ngcobo, said they oppose the decision by Minister Mzwanele Nyhontso of the Department of Land Affairs and Rural Development to axe the board.
Nyhontso axed the board last week, citing that only four members were left after a spate of resignations and a request by its chairperson, King Misuzulu kaZwelithini to axe it saying it was undermining his authority.
In the Contralesa statement, Ngcobo appeared to imply that the move to axe the board was aimed at capturing it and the 2,8 million hectares of land under its control.
“We, the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (CONTRALESA) in KwaZulu-Natal Province, issue a resolute condemnation of nefarious attempts to usurp control of the Ingonyama Trust. We utterly reject any endeavours to disrupt the administration of land, affirming that the Trust’s raison d’être is to serve the interests of Amakhosi communities,” Ngcobo said about the matter.
“We stress that consultation regarding the Trust’s management shall involve Amakhosi and their communities, sans fail. We are perturbed by the advisors to the King’s office, who appear increasingly preoccupied with altering the Trust’s board composition, rather than ensuring its efficacious functioning.”
Ngcobo added that they want a full account of how the finances of the trust were managed in the past 32 years.
“We demand a full accounting of the Trust’s finances over the past 32 years. We assure traditional leaders and communities in KwaZulu-Natal that Contralesa shall strenuously oppose any attempts to exploit the Trust. The Trust’s mandate shall prioritize the welfare of traditional leadership and their communities. We oppose the dissolution of the current board and instead advocate for the Minister to appoint additional members, thereby ensuring its effective operation,” said Ngcobo.
King Misuzulu’s private office, on the other hand, said the decision to axe the board came after it became clear that it was incapable of exercising any authority, and that the decision should be respected.
“In light of the recent developments and the formal termination of membership of the Ingonyama Trust Board by the Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development, with effect from 18 March 2026, it is a matter of legal and institutional fact that the Ingonyama Trust Board, in its previous composition, no longer exists and is incapable of exercising any authority,” said the private office of the King as the feud escalated.
“Accordingly, any communication, representation, or purported decision-making emanating from former members of the Board must cease with immediate effect, as such individuals no longer hold any lawful mandate or authority within the institution.”
“Furthermore, the continued involvement and communication by Mr. Siyamdumisa Vilakazi raises serious legal concerns. At present, there is no verified lawful basis for his role or authority within the Ingonyama Trust.”
On Friday last week, the axed but defiant board held a press conference in Pietermaritzburg, saying it will remain in office and challenge the decision to disband it in court.
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