Zulu King Misuzulu KaZwelithini has turned to his former traditional prime minister and tasked him with organising the upcoming imbizo to deliberate on the Ingonyama Trust and the pending liquidation of Ithala Bank.
The Zulu King requested Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi to organise the gathering, usually called during periods of crises faced by the Zulu nation, via a letter seen by African Times.
The Ingonyama Trust administers vast hectares of land in parts of KwaZulu-Natal collectively owned by the Zulu people. Ithala Bank was established by the then KwaZulu-Natal homeland government under the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.
“I am writing to you in my capacity as King of the Zulu Nation to formally request your esteemed office to organize and coordinate an Imbizo of the Amakhosi akwaZulu at Emashobeni Palace on 21 February 2025.
“This gathering is crucial to deliberate on matters of significant importance to the Zulu nation, specifically concerning the Ingonyama Trust and Ingonyama Trust Board, as well as pressing issues relating to Ithala Bank,” King Musuzulu said in the letter.
Buthelezi was sacked in December last year, but he still retains his influential position as the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs in KwaZulu-Natal.
The imbizo would be held this coming Friday at eMashobeni Royal Palace in Nongoma in the north of the province.
The Zulu monarch said the Ingonyama Trust remains a pillar of cultural and economic significance for the Zulu people, and recent developments necessitate a collective dialogue to ensure the protection of their heritage and the empowerment of communities.
Additionally, he said discussions on Ithala Bank are imperative to address economic concerns that directly impact the people.
“Given your role and expertise in matters of traditional governance and cooperative affairs, I am confident that your coordination of this Imbizo will ensure its success and meaningful outcomes.
I kindly request your office to handle the logistical arrangements and to extend invitations to all relevant stakeholders.
“Your leadership and support in this matter are highly appreciated. Your support and collaboration in facilitating this Imbizo will be greatly appreciated. I am confident that, together, we can work towards solutions that uphold the interests and well-being of our people,” the King added.
