Ingonyama Trust uplifts beneficiary communities through education, agriculture, and socio-economic development in partnership with Traditional Councils across KwaZulu-Natal.
Ingonyama Trust over the years has uplifted the beneficiary communities through a variety of means. This the organisation does in partnership with the Traditional Councils. It has offered study aid to the youth in traditional councils, facilitated support to traditional councils and assisted in agricultural projects.
In order for Ingonyama Trust to effectively deliver on the community benefits it uses the money collected through rentals from leases on Trust land. The money collected through leases is collated per traditional council area and distributed as such through an approved policy of the Board.
The leases range from the development of malls, service stations, cellphone masts, mines, government institutions and servitudes on Trust land — all generating revenue that flows back directly to communities.
🏛 Lease Revenue Sources
Shopping Malls & Retail — Commercial development on Trust land
Service Stations — Fuel retail infrastructure leases
Mining Operations — Mineral extraction on Trust land
Government Institutions — Public facilities & servitudes
Financial Policy
Fund Allocation Breakdown
The Board-approved policy governs how all lease revenue collected on Ingonyama Trust land is distributed to ensure maximum community benefit.
Community Projects75%
Directly allocated for community upliftment projects per traditional council area
iNkosi Allocation10%
Allocated to the local iNkosi of the respective traditional council area
iNgonyama5%
Allocated to iNgonyama as the Sole Trustee of the Ingonyama Trust
Ingonyama Trust (Operations)10%
Used for administrative requirements and operational costs of the Board
Previous Regulation
Under previous regulations: not exceeding 10% for administrative requirements and the remaining 90% for beneficiary disbursement.
Current Fund Distribution
75% — Community Projects
10% — iNkosi
5% — iNgonyama
10% — ITB Operations
Youth Development
Student Assistance Aid Initiative
The Ingonyama Trust invests in the future by supporting youth from beneficiary communities through tertiary education bursaries, internships, and workforce preparation workshops.
Student beneficiaries who received educational assistance from Ingonyama Trust during their tertiary education. They were invited to a workshop to prepare them for the workforce. Some were given internships by the IT to gain work experience.
Tertiary Bursaries
Financial assistance provided to youth from traditional council areas for university and college studies, reducing financial barriers to higher education.
Internship Programme
Graduates receive internship placements at the Ingonyama Trust to gain practical work experience and transition smoothly into the workforce.
Workforce Preparation Workshops
Dedicated workshops hosted by the IT to equip student beneficiaries with professional skills, interview preparation, and career guidance.
Community-Based Eligibility
Study aid is distributed per traditional council area — ensuring funds reach youth in the communities that generated the lease revenue.
Student Voices
Testimonials from Beneficiaries
Voices from the Ingonyama Trust Student Assistance Aid Initiative — beneficiaries who received educational support from the Trust.
"
The bursary from Ingonyama Trust made it possible for me to complete my degree without financial stress. I could focus entirely on my studies knowing my fees were covered. This changed my life and my family's future.
N
Nomvula S.
Engineering Graduate — KZN
"
The internship at ITB gave me real experience I couldn't have gotten anywhere else. They prepared us for the corporate world and I now have a full-time job. I am proud to give back to my community.
S
Sipho M.
Accounting Graduate — Ulundi
"
I never thought I would make it to university. The Trust believed in me when my family could not afford to. The workshop they hosted taught me how to present myself professionally. I am forever grateful.
T
Thandi D.
Education Graduate — Nongoma
Watch Their Stories
Rural Development
Agricultural Initiatives
The Ingonyama Trust invests in food security and rural livelihoods by providing communities with the tools, equipment, and infrastructure they need to grow.
Tractor Distribution Programme
The IT purchased tractors to assist beneficiary communities in their agricultural efforts. These were handed over during an Imbizo with amaKhosi in Ulundi and distributed to communities with interests in agriculture.
Fencing & Seeds Support
Communities are supplied with fencing material and quality seeds to establish and protect their produce facilities — enabling sustainable crop cultivation on Trust land.
Storage Infrastructure
Shipping containers and storage facilities are provided to communities to enable proper post-harvest storage and transport of agricultural produce to local markets.
Market Linkages
Produce harvested by beneficiary communities — such as beans at Emshisweni in Harding — is connected to local markets, generating income for participating households.
Inkosi Machi of Izibonda Community in Harding — one of the beneficiary communities assisted with setting up an agricultural produce facility. Pictured after completing a bean harvest which was sold to local markets. They were supplied with fencing material, seeds, a container and tractor by the Ingonyama Trust .
Community Guidance
How to Apply for Benefits
To access community benefit funds, follow the structured process below. Applications must go through the iNkosi and Traditional Council — direct contact with the ITB will not be entertained.
1
Contact Your iNkosi
Community members must first approach their local iNkosi to initiate the benefits application process.
2
Submit Proposal
Present your project proposal to the iNkosi and the Traditional Council for consideration and approval at local level.
3
Traditional Council Review
The Traditional Council deliberates and reviews the proposal. Approved applications are forwarded to the Ingonyama Trust .
4
IT Disbursement
The Ingonyama Trust processes and disburses funds, subject to adequate funds under the Traditional Council concerned.
⚠️
Important Notice : Members of the community are urged not to contact Ingonyama Trust directly as their requests will not be entertained. All applications must be submitted through your local iNkosi and Traditional Council structure.
Ready to Apply for
Community Funding?
Contact your local iNkosi to start the application process for community benefits and project funding.
Community Projects
75%
iNkosi Allocation
10%
iNgonyama
5%
Ingonyama Trust (Operations)
10%
