Durban – Philani Mavundla, president of Abantu Batho Congress has applauded the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal for supporting Ingonyama Trust to remain the sole custodian of the land belonging to the Zulu nation.
On Monday KZN ANC provincial secretary Bheki Mtolo moved to allay fears that there were plans to seize the land under the Ingonyama Trust, amid several media reports which he said sought to create an impression that the land was under threat.
“Reports are citing the ANC’s Integrity Commission and an old report of the High Level Panel headed by former President Kgalema Motlanthe.
“This report was rejected by delegates who were decisive during the 54th ANC National Conference. Nothing has changed,” Mtolo said.
Mtolo added that the people of KwaZulu-Natal ,and Amakhosi in particular, should know that there was no plan to interfere with the land under Ingonyama Trust and that such reckless reports must be rejected and categorised as cheap propaganda aimed at creating social instability.
Mavundla said that the ABC was particularly pleased to note that the ruling party had declared in a statement issued to media Monday, that it does not intend to “interfere with the land under Ingonyama Trust”.
Mavunda said he was contented that the ANC in KZN had also reaffirmed that President Cyril Ramaphosa clarified the matter during during a meeting with the late King Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu.
He said the president explained to the late king that land expropriation does not include the 13 percent under Ingonyama Trust which is controlled by traditional leaders and native people in particular.
“The ABC commends this display of confidence and trust in traditional leadership, as well as the defending of the interests of native people by the ruling party.
“The ABC implores the ANC to rally behind the people of KZN and the ABC as they call on the national Minister of Public Works to officially handover the Kings House residence in eThekwini to the Ingonyama Trust for its sole use as Ihlalankosi leSilo,” Mavundla said.
He further called on the ANC led government in the province to initiate the project of installation of King Shaka’s statue in the city of eThekwini and further made the call for the removal of colonial era statues in and around the city.
“In conclusion, the ABC affirms that it is willing to collaborate with any political party that is invested in the interests of native black people and in defending the interests of the same people in order that they may govern and thrive in the land of their forefathers. Abantu ababuse izwe labo!” Mavundla said.
SUNDAY TRIBUNE