By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Minister of Agriculture, Land reform, and Rural Development Thoko Didiza has appointed a new board at the KwaZulu-Natal Ingonyama Trust in accordance with the provisions of Act No. 3KZ of 1994.
The announcement on Monday comes against the backdrop of a reported tug-of-war between King Misuzulu kaZwelithini and Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi over the leadership of the board.
The Ingonyama Trust’s board oversees land that straddles 29.67% of KwaZulu-Natal, which is equivalent to 28 000 square kilometres.
Didiza said that the decision was taken after various consultations, including King Misuzulu and the KwaZulu-Natal government.
“The board consists of the Ingonyama [King Misizulu] or his nominee, who is the chairperson of the board, and four members appointed by the minister after consultation with the Ingonyama, the premier and the chairperson of the House of Traditional Leaders in the province and the other four members appointed by the minister with due regard to regional interests, in consultation with the premier, who shall consult the Ingonyama and the chairperson of the House of Traditional Leadership in KwaZulu-Natal,” She said.
After concluding all required consultations, the minister announced the following individuals who are to begin their four-year terms as board members:
Prince Mzimela as chairperson, as nominated by Ingonyamaa Advocate Linda Zama as vice-chairperson; Prince Mabudu Israel Tembe; Dr Thandi Dlamini; Nomusa Zulu; Dandy Matamela; Prince Phallang Bokang Molefe; Prince Sibonelo Mkhize; and Lisa Del Grande.
They will serve a four-year term.
The mandate of the trust is to hold land for “the benefit, material welfare and social well-being of the members of the tribes and communities” living on the land.