Parliament says King Misuzulu acted unlawfully in suspending Ingonyama Trust board members
On Wednesday, Parliament’s legal advisor told the Land Reform and Rural Development committee that only the minister has the exclusive authority to act on the board of the entity.
Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini at the commemoration of the historic Battle of Isandlwane in Nquthu, northern KwaZulu-Natal on 27 January 2024. Picture: Jacques Nelles/Eyewitness Newss
CAPE TOWN - Parliament says AmaZulu King, Misuzulu kaZwelithini, acted unlawfully when he suspended members of the Ingonyama Trust board before appointing himself chairperson.
On Wednesday, Parliament’s legal advisor told the Land Reform and Rural Development committee that only the minister has the exclusive authority to act on the board of the entity.
Parliament’s legal services briefed the committee on the legal foundations of the Ingonyama Trust as well as the ownership and vesting of the trust’s property and assets.
The portfolio committee requested parliament’s legal services to advise on how to respond to the governance challenges of the Ingonyama Trust board.
The office was also requested to provide insight into legal foundations and how the trust differs from other ordinary trusts.
READ: Ingonyama Trust Board functioning in line with SA law, says Rural Development Dept
Legal advisor Bulelani Simani also responded to the question on the suspension of the board by King Misuzulu, the sole trustee.
He told Members of Parliament (MPs) that the king, who also chairs the board, acted contrary to the law.
“Having due regard for the above facts, it is quite evident that the chairperson of the board is not empowered in terms of legislation to either suspend or remove any member of the board. And therefore, he will be acting beyond the scope of his powers.”
Simani said King Misuzulu is also accountable to the National Assembly. He said suspended board members are within their rights to seek legal recourse.