Zuli king calls special meeting with Amakhosi

DURBAN - Zulu King Misusulu KaZwelithini has called a special meeting of all Amakhosi (Chiefs) in KwaZulu-Natal in Ulundi tomorrow to brief them on matters related to Ingonyama Trust.

The Ingonyama Trust manages 2.8 million hectares of tribal land in the province and has become a political football in recent years with calls ade for it to be abolished. However, the king’s traditional Prime Minister, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, said he asked to be excused from the meeting and gave his reasons to the king.

In a statement late on Friday, Buthelezi said he would not divulge the reasons for his non-availability. “His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has informed me of his decision to hold a high-level briefing session with Amakhosi from all districts of KwaZulu-Natal on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, in Ulundi, to brief Amakhosi on matters relating to the Ingonyama Trust. His Majesty has requested my presence and support at this briefing session.

“Regrettably, as I have reported to His Majesty, I am unable to attend this meeting.

“I have requested that His Majesty excuse me. As a matter of courtesy, therefore, I wish to inform Amakhosi in advance of my absence.

“I have provided my reasons to the king and he has indicated that he will respond to the matters I have raised with him.

“These matters will be discussed with Amakhosi at a future meeting, should the need arise, to ensure a full understanding of the situation. At present, however, these matters are still under discussion between His Majesty the king and I, and are thus not for public discussion at this point,” Buthelezi said.