PIETERMARITZBURG - AmaZulu King Misuzulu KaZwelithini wants more powers in running the affairs of the Ingonyama Trust.
He wants the Ingonyama Trust Act amended to allow him to appoint board members directly.
The monarch says this will empower traditional leaders regarding land administration and economic development.
He was speaking at the opening of the KZN legislature in Pietermaritzburg on Thursday.
"For far too long, government has been making decisions about the land that belongs to Amakhosi. As we speak, Amakhosi have no role to play in representing Ingonyama Trust board arrangements because the board members are appointed by the minister,” he told members of the Legislature.
He has appointed retired judge, Isaac Madondo, and Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi to lead the process that has been proposed as an amendment for the Ingonyama Trust in KwaZulu-Natal.
"This move will ensure that Amakhosi exercise direct control and oversight over all the land. Gone are the days where government must make decisions on behalf of Amakhosi as if Amakhosi do not have knowledge, experience, insight, or make their own decisions," he added.