Pietermaritzburg, 22 September 2025 — The Ingonyama Trust Board (ITB) has secured a High Court order compelling its former Chairperson, Mr. Sipho Jerome Ngwenya, to repay an amount of R30 million within 30 days.
This case stems from yet another controversial transaction that was initiated during Mr. Ngwenya’s tenure as the Chairperson of Board. The funds represent proceeds from the sale of land in Hammarsdale by the Ingonyama Trust Board to the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality for community development purposes.
The Municipality initially paid the funds to Mason Inc., a Pietermaritzburg-based law firm acting on behalf of the Trust. However, on Mr. Ngwenya’s instruction, the money was subsequently diverted from Mason Attorneys and later transferred to Jafta Inc., both Durban-based law firms.
This transaction formed part of the controversial financial irregularities under investigation, with the Court affirming that the funds were improperly diverted and must be repaid to the Trust.
Commitment to Accountability
“The Board remains steadfast in recovering all monies spent as a result of irregular transactions conducted during Mr. Ngwenya’s leadership. These actions, if unchecked continue toundermined the credibility of the Ingonyama Trust and Inognyama Trust Board and compromises the material welfare of the communities we serve. We welcome the Court’s ruling as a step forward in restoring trust and ensuring responsible administration and management of the Trust and Trust land,” said Advocate Linda Zama Vice Chairperson of Ingonyama Trust Board.
The ITB further assures stakeholders that it will continue to collaborate with law enforcement authorities to ensure that all irregularities are investigated and recoveries made.
