Court reinstates Ingonyama Trust Board, bars ministerial interference

The Pietermaritzburg High Court has reversed a recent decision to dissolve the Ingonyama Trust Board (ITB), ruling in favour of the board’s leadership and its remaining members.

Last week, the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development announced significant changes to the board following the resignation of two members.

At the time, Land Reform and Rural Development Minister Mzwanele Nyontsho cited these additional resignations as a primary concern, stating that the board's operations had become unsustainable.

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Consequently, the minister appointed an administrator to oversee the daily operations of the board, which is responsible for collecting millions in revenue through various land leases.

The decision to dissolve the board was initially welcomed by the provincial government and the Zulu Monarch, King Misuzulu.

The King had expressed concern regarding the minimal involvement of traditional leaders in pushing for structural changes within the trust.

However, the matter was legally challenged by the leadership of the board and its remaining members.

The Pietermaritzburg High Court has now overturned the minister's decision, ruling in favour of the ITB.

The court has further ordered that both the minister and the Zulu Monarch must not interfere with the board.