The CEO of Ingonyama Trust, Advocate Vela Mngwengwe, has resigned from the entity chaired by King Misuzulu KaZwelithini of the Zulu nation.
According to information from sources within the entity and the Zulu royal household, Mngwengwe “jumped ship” after it became clear that Misuzulu was not willing to reconcile and work with him anymore.
Between October and December 2024, there was a bitter fight for control of the Ingonyama Trust Board, which is in charge of mineral-rich land mostly in rural and peri-urban parts of the province.
Dispute with King Misuzulu
That was shortly after Misuzulu announced that he was going to assume the chairperson of the board. The position has in the past been held on his behalf by nominees.
The move sparked a pushback by the board and Mngwengwe. In one press conference during the feud, Mngwengwe said they have the responsibility of saving Misuzulu from himself. This implied that he was taking legally flawed decisions as the chairperson of the board.
In response, Misuzulu called an impromptu meeting with Amakhosi (traditional leaders – Chiefs) in Ulundi. There he publicly singled out Mngwengwe and certain board members for refusing to accept his authority.
“That board and the CEO, Mngwengwe, are not accepting me, they are shutting me out. They treat me like nothing and take decisions in my absence,” the king said at the meeting in isiZulu.
According to sources, Mgwengwe has informed the board that he was leaving late last month. His decision to leave was accepted.
“The CEO is finally leaving after that public fallout with the king. But no further details have been made available to the staff of the trust,” a source told Sunday World.
Spokesperson of the trust, Simphiwe Mxakaza, confirmed that Mngwengwe is leaving. However, he denied that he is jumping the ship.
Trust rep confirms news
“Contrary to the assertion in your communication, Mr. Mngwengwe has not “jumped ship” or vacated his position without proper procedure. Mr. Mngwengwe formally tendered his resignation as CEO of the Ingonyama Trust Board, effective 31 May 2025. The Board duly accepted his resignation in accordance with organisational protocols.
“He is currently serving his 30-day notice period as stipulated in his contract of employment. His official release from the position will be effective on 30 June 2025. Thereafter, he is scheduled to commence duties with his new employer as of 01 July 2025,” Mxakaxa said when he was asked to confirm the departure of Mngwengwe.
