By Celani Sikhakhane
- Acting CEO Siyamdumisa Vilakazi accused Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi of causing confusion and walking out of key land discussions.
- King Misuzulu kaZwelithini did not attend the event, saying he was never consulted even though he is the board’s chair and sole trustee.
The Ingonyama Trust Board has accused Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, Prime Minister to the Zulu Monarch, of trying to collapse a historic three-day forum of traditional leaders.
The acting Chief Executive Officer of the board, Siyamdumisa Vilakazi, told journalists that Buthelezi’s disruptive speech on Monday nearly derailed the Traditional Council Strategic Engagement Forum.
Vilakazi said Buthelezi’s remarks confused many delegates. Some left the forum altogether, while others, including some traditional leaders, later returned.
“We are quite clear that these disturbances are going to continue and be persistent,” said Vilakazi.
The forum brought together amaKhosi, iziNduna, government officials and development partners. It was aimed at finding solutions to the challenges facing communities on Ingonyama Trust land.
Vilakazi said Buthelezi’s actions blocked important discussions on day one. The agenda included land administration, land management, cooperation between government departments, and financial issues.
Despite the setback, the forum went ahead. Vilakazi said delegates were able to ask questions and get clarity on land-related concerns when they returned.
Over the remaining two days, Vilakazi said, traditional leaders took part in robust talks on development, land use and community wellbeing. They also worked together to find new solutions and made clear decisions to push rural development forward.
But King Misuzulu kaZwelithini did not attend the event at the Durban International Convention Centre. He said he was never consulted about the forum, even though he is the chair of the board and its only trustee.
Pictured above: Ingonyama Trust Board acting CEO Siyamdumisa Vilakazi accused Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi of trying to disrupt the three-day forum of traditional leaders
Image source: Ingonyama Trust Board
