Nyhontso reasserts control over Ingonyama Trust Board amid governance turmoil

Land Reform Minister Mzwanele Nyhontso has moved to firmly reassert his authority over the appointments to the Ingonyama Trust Board, saying the law is unambiguous about his responsibility to shape the governance structure of the powerful land institution. His remarks followed a parliamentary question from the MK Party, which challenged the extent of his role and whether he had overstepped his mandate.

Nyhontso explained that while the Zulu King serves automatically as the board’s chairperson and has the right to select a representative, the Act places the duty of appointing the remaining board members squarely on the minister. He stressed that this authority is not exercised in isolation, pointing out that he must consult with the King, the KwaZulu-Natal Premier and the chairperson of the House of Traditional Leaders before finalising appointments.

He dismissed criticism about appointing board members who live outside KwaZulu-Natal, saying there is no legal requirement that limits the board to provincial residents. In his view, the trust’s mandate involving land administration, financial oversight and community interests requires a blend of skills rather than geographic restriction. Nyhontso noted, however, that concerns about representivity would be considered in future selection rounds.

His comments come against a backdrop of instability at the trust, which has been under scrutiny for governance breakdowns, financial mismanagement and leadership disputes. In an effort to stabilise the institution, Nyhontso appointed senior counsel Marumo Moerane to lead a comprehensive investigation into the trust and its commercial entity, Ingonyama Holdings. The probe aims to establish accountability, restore administrative integrity and chart a path forward for an institution long plagued by controversy.

Nyhontso acknowledged that there is limited clarity on how previous appointments particularly those involving individuals from outside the province were justified, adding that the new inquiry would help illuminate gaps in governance. The findings are expected to influence the composition of the board going forward and potentially reshape the trust’s operational model.