The sole trustee and chairperson of the Ingonyama Trust Board (ITB), King Misuzulu KaZwelithini, has given the green light to the Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development, Mzwanele Nyhontsho, to suspend four board members of the board.

The four members, Advocate Linda Zama, Dr Thandi Dlamini, Inkosi Nomusa Zulu, and Ndzambudzeni Matamela, are considered “disruptive” and may hinder an ongoing investigation led by Adv Marumo Moerane SC.

The Zulu king’s approval is contained in a letter dated 4 December 2025, and responding to a previous letter from the minister seeking approval.

“I have considered the matter and the legal advice you have outlined in terms of Section 2A(3)(b) of the KwaZulu-Natal Ingonyama Trust Act, 1994. I am satisfied that the approach you have taken is both reasonable and necessary to protect the integrity of the investigation and to ensure that the governance of the Trust remains beyond reproach.

“‘You are hereby advised that I support your intention to proceed with the contemplated course of action. It is important that the process unfolds with transparency, fairness, and strict adherence to the law, and I welcome your commitment to consulting all relevant stakeholders in this regard.

“You may therefore advance with your plan of action as outlined. I will await further updates once you have completed the next steps in the process,” the King said to Nyhontsho.

Nyhontso will now have to consult with the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Thami Ntuli, and the chairperson of the KwaZulu-Natal House of Traditional Leaders, Inkosi Sifiso Shinga.