Zulu King Misuzulu KaZwelithini has called an urgent imbizo of the Zulu nation to discuss issues of Ingonyama Trust and Ithala Bank, which are deemed a threat. 

The imbizo would be held at Mashobeni Royal Palace in Nongoma, northern KwaZulu-Natal, next week Friday (21 February 2025).

In a message conveyed by the King’s former traditional prime minister, Reverend Thulasizwwe Buthelezi, he said the imbizo is called when the nation is facing threats and uses it to find solutions. 

“His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has instructed me to announce to the Zulu Nation that he is convening an imbizo.

“Imbizo is the most important gathering that His Majesty can convene, and it is held only to discuss and resolve matters that pose a threat to the Zulu Kingdom.

“In this regard, His Majesty is calling upon all Amakhosi, members of the Royal family, Izinduna, and Amabutho of the Zulu Kingdom to gather for Imbizo to discuss matters relating to Ingonyama Trust and Ithala Bank,” Buthelezi announced on behalf of the King. 

The king recently came out of seclusion following the end of Umkhosi Woselwa (first fruit ceremony), and he lurched into the issue of Ingonyama Trust and Ithala Bank.

South Africa’s parliament recently lashed at King Misuzulu, saying he acted beyond his powers when he suspended the Ingonyama Trust board. The trust is in charge of the vast tribal land in KwaZulu-Natal. 

Prudential Authority (PA), a division of the South African Reserve Bank, has filed an application in the Pietermaritzburg High Court to liquidate the historic Ithala bank.