Modjadji Royal Council
By Lerato Mpembe
The Modjadji Royal Council in Limpopo has announced its intention to challenge President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to legally recognise Princess Masalanabo Modjadji as the Queen of the Balobedu nation.
This development follows the princess’s recent attainment of the age of 18, a milestone that, according to tradition, qualifies her to ascend the throne.
In a statement released on Friday, 13 December 2024, the Presidency declared:
“President Cyril Ramaphosa has legally recognised Princess Masalanabo Modjadji as the Queen of the Balobedu Queenship. The Balobedu Queenship was recognised by Government on 31 March 2016 in terms of the Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Act, 2003 (Act No. 41 of 2003), and it is the only legally recognised Queenship in the country. At the time, Queen Masalanabo Modjadji was a minor at 10 years old and could not legally ascend the throne. As a result, since the time of the recognition of the Queenship, His Royal Highness, Prince Mpapatla Modjadji, Queen Masalanabo Modjadji’s maternal uncle, held the fort for her as a Regent until she turned 18. The Queen has now turned 18 and ascends the throne as Queen Modjadji VII of Balobedu nation.”
However, the royal council disputes this recognition, citing a lack of consultation from the Presidency. Ronny Moroatshehla, spokesperson for the Modjadji Royal Council, expressed the council’s concerns:
“Both the royal family and the Modjadji Royal Council were shocked by the statement from the Presidency recognising Princess Masalanabo as the next leader of the Modjadji royal nation. We believe someone has overstepped their limits, and it’s very regrettable. We think the President was misled, and we are therefore going to challenge this decision.”
The succession dispute within the Balobedu nation has been ongoing. In May 2021, the royal council announced Prince Lekukela Modjadji, Princess Masalanabo’s elder brother, as the heir to the throne, citing concerns that the princess had not been trained in her duties as a monarch. This decision was contested by supporters of Princess Masalanabo, leading to legal battles and heightened tensions within the royal family.
The Balobedu nation, renowned for its matrilineal succession and the legendary Rain Queens, has faced significant challenges in recent years. The death of Queen Makobo Modjadji VI in 2005 left a leadership vacuum, with regents appointed to oversee the throne until a suitable successor was identified. The recognition of Princess Masalanabo as Queen Modjadji VII was seen by many as a restoration of traditional leadership.
President Ramaphosa’s recognition of Princess Masalanabo aligns with the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act of 2019, which stipulates that once a minor successor reaches the age of majority, they must be recognised as the rightful leader. The Presidency’s statement further noted:
“The recognition of Queen Modjadji VII introduces a new chapter and is a moment of great significance to the rich history of the Balobedu Nation. On behalf of the Government, President Ramaphosa wishes Her Majesty a long and prosperous reign and looks forward to working with Her Majesty and the Royal Family in advancing the socio-economic development of people living under the jurisdiction of the Balobedu Queenship.”
Despite this official recognition, the internal divisions within the royal council persist. A faction within the council supports Prince Lekukela’s claim to the throne, arguing that traditional protocols were followed in his appointment. This group contends that Princess Masalanabo’s upbringing, under the guardianship of Dr Mathole Motshekga and Minister Angie Motshekga, distanced her from the royal family’s customs and traditions, thereby impacting her readiness to assume the role of queen.
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