Land Reform Minister Nyhontso calls Ingonyama Trust Board ‘rogue’ in recording

Land Reform Minister Mzwanele Nyhontso has voiced his disdain for the Ingonyama Trust Board in a recording believed to be his voice. In the recording, the minister describes the board as "rogue" and vows never to work with it again. The relationship between the board, the Zulu King Misuzulu KaZwelithini, and the minister is at an all-time low. The king has accused the board of undermining his authority.

During a meeting between the king and the minister, Nyhontso criticized the board's conduct, stating that he was dissatisfied with their management of the Trust. He accused the board of disrespecting the sole trustee of the land and vowed that he would "never work with them — over my dead body."

Prince Africa Zulu Royal of Onkweni, the vice-chancellor of the Zulu Kingdom, welcomed Nyhontso's remarks, calling them encouraging and reassuring. He emphasized that the land of the Zulu nation is not a political playground and that those entrusted with its administration must respect the king, the amakhosi, and the communities it serves.

The Zulu people are eagerly awaiting the appointment of a new board that aligns with the king, respects his authority, and serves their interests rather than political or personal ones. The board must understand its mandate is to serve the Crown and the Zulu nation, not pursue personal interests.

The Ingonyama Trust Board has not responded to a request for comment regarding the recording. The minister, concerned about the board's activities and the irregular appointment of its CEO, has established an inquiry led by Advocate Marumo Moerane SC to investigate the board's irregular and unaccounted-for activities. The inquiry has completed its work, and the minister will seek an audience with King Misuzulu to brief him on the findings, which the king will hear first.