It was drama at the ICC in Durban today, 30 September.
A group of amabutho stormed an Ingonyama Trust meeting and brought proceedings to a halt.
In video clips doing the rounds, Nkosikhona “Phakel’umthakathi” Ndabandaba and Ngizwe Mchunu can be seen leading the group. They force their way into the venue and disrupt the meeting.
But minutes later, the tone changed.
Phakel’umthakathi, flanked by Ngizwe, can be seen apologising to the room.
“We’d like to apologise. We were not aware that there were chiefs in this meeting. We were just following through on the King’s complaint about the Ingonyama Trust.
He has been complaining since last year during uMkhosi Wokweshwama.
“He complained again during uMkhosi Womhlanga, and even yesterday during uMkhosi weLembe he complained and mentioned that the meeting would be held here at the ICC. We are apologising because we used the wrong entrance and came in through the back door,” he said.
“The King has never complained about amakhosi, but about the Ingonyama Trust Board. We were also shocked when amakhosi called us and reprimanded us. We love and respect amakhosi, and this was really a mistake. We humbly apologise,” said Phakel’umthakathi.
Ingonyama Trust CFO Sanele Mkhize said:
“Firstly, we are not sure if these are really amabutho. Nonetheless, the Trust will not take action against them because they apologised.”
Mkhize said AmaZulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini was in fact told about the gathering.
“This was not a meeting for amakhosi but an investment conference. There’s a difference. The King was informed about this meeting and he was invited,” he explained.
He said the meeting continued despite the disruption and will go ahead tomorrow.
The Trust’s website lists an Ingonyama Trust indaba at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban from 30 September to 1 October 2026, billed as an investment marketplace for rural growth.
Speaking to Africa Daily, Ndabandaba said it was all a miscommunication.
“The King has been complaining about the Ingonyama Trust Board and that he’s not being informed about anything. On that basis, we went to the ICC. Unfortunately, we were not aware that this was an investment meeting and that there were amakhosi inside.
“Otherwise, we would not have interrupted them. We have apologised, and we will be meeting amakhosi privately to make sure there is peace and harmony amongst us,” he said.
The Royal Vice Chancellor of the Zulu Kingdom, Prince Africa Zulu condemned the Ingonyama Trust Board.
“All stakeholders in KwaZulu Natal must respect and acknowledge His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini as the head of the Zulu nation. Respect for the King must be reflected in how institutions consult, communicate and conduct their affairs.
“Institutions such as the Ingonyama Trust Board must maintain continuous and meaningful consultation with His Majesty when planning and implementing programmes concerning the land and communities of the Zulu Kingdom.”
He said that “Informing the King and seeking his blessing should never be treated as an afterthought. These engagements are essential to harmony, mutual respect and public confidence.
“We do not condone violence or intimidation. Equally, those entrusted with leadership must take care to follow proper protocols and address concerns before they develop into public confrontation.”
“Businesses and other stakeholders operating on land held by the Ingonyama Trust must work in cooperation with His Majesty, the Royal Family, Amakhosi and the affected communities. Meaningful development requires the confidence and participation of the people whose lives it will shape.
“His Majesty’s position as the sole trustee of the Ingonyama Trust must be respected by the Board as it carries out its responsibilities. Consultation must be sincere, timely and continuous.
“Our people need investment, employment and development. They also deserve leadership that respects their institutions and protects their dignity. We must pursue these goals together, through peaceful dialogue, proper consultation and respect for His Majesty.”
Today’s drama is the latest chapter in a long fight over who controls the Trust.
The King is the sole trustee of the Trust, which administers nearly 3 million hectares of land in KwaZulu-Natal.
The board is a schedule 3A public entity under the Public Finance Management Act.
But under the current law, the Land Reform Minister has the final say on appointing and removing board members.
This is not the first time an ICC meeting has turned into a battleground.
In December last year, the King halted a three-day forum between the board and traditional leaders, saying that as chairperson he had not been told about it.
At the time, Zulu nation prime minister Rev Thulasizwe Buthelezi said the meeting had collapsed because amakhosi refused to take part without the King being consulted.
In February, the King told the KZN Legislature he wanted the Ingonyama Trust Act changed so he could appoint board members himself.
He appointed retired judge Isaac Madondo and Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi to lead that process.
A month later, Land Reform Minister Mzwanele Nyhontso dissolved the board after resignations left it without a quorum.
That did not last. Pietermaritzburg High Court judge Piet Koen overturned the decision, finding the minister had acted unlawfully and beyond his powers.
The court also ordered both the minister and the King not to interfere with the board.
The fight has not cooled. Earlier this month, at the Reed Dance, the King accused the board of planning to spend R14 million of Trust money on a meeting with amakhosi without his knowledge or consent.
