President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially recognised Princess Masalanabo Modjadji VII as the Queen of the Balobedu Royal nation. The recognition marks the end of a long and contentious court battle that saw siblings pitted against each other.
This recognition is a significant milestone for the Balobedu Royal Nation and the preservation of their cultural heritage and paves the way for her coronation next March.
Queen Masalanabo Modjadji VII, also known as the Rain Queen, has expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the SA government, the Balobedu Royal Council, and all those who have supported her succession to the throne.
In a statement the Queen's chief counselor Dr Mathole Motshekga said the new Queen’s recognition reaffirms the enduring legacy of the Modjadji dynasty and its role in uniting and guiding the Balobedu Royal nation.
“The Queen's ascension to the throne is a testament to her dedication to her people and her commitment to preserving the cultural heritage of the Balobedu Royal Nation.
“Her Majesty is aware of the cultural diversity of Balobedu, which includes various ethnic groups such as the Vha-Venda, Bapedi, and Ba-Tsonga, and has pledged to work with all of them to promote development and prosperity,” Motshekga said.
Queen Masalanabo Modjadji VII takes over from her late mother, Queen Makobo Modjadji VI, who died in 2005.
At the time of her mother's passing, Queen Masalanabo was a minor, and her uncle, Prince Mpapatla Modjadji, acted as her regent.
However, with her coming of age on January 20, 2023, her uncle's regency came to an end, paving the way for her official recognition as the Queen.
“The Queen's focus will be on promoting agriculture, mining, cultural tourism, and the development of women, youth, children, and people with disabilities. Her Majesty believes that these initiatives will contribute to the government's efforts to build a socially cohesive and prosperous SA,” Motshekga added.
He said the office of the Rain Queen was currently establishing the Queen's Council, which will lead the preparations for her coronation in March 2025.
“The exact date of the coronation will be announced once the Office of the President, the Minister of Cogta, and the Premier of Limpopo have aligned their calendars,” he said.
The recognition of Queen Masalanabo Modjadji VII marks a new chapter in the history of the Balobedu Royal Nation. Her coronation is expected to be a grand celebration of their cultural heritage.
“The Queen's commitment to her people and her dedication to preserving their cultural traditions are a testament to her leadership and vision.
“As the Balobedu Royal Nation embarks on this new era, we invite all South Africans to join them in celebrating this momentous occasion and to witness the coronation of their beloved Queen,” Motshekga said.
This development ends a four years dispute involving Queen Masalanabo and her elder brother, Prince Lukukela Modjadji, who were pitted against each other in the battle to ascend to the Balobedu throne.
In October 2022, the Modjadji Royal Council hosted a traditional ceremony inaugurating Prince Lekukela as the next king, which threatened the end of 200 years of rule by women in the Balobedu nation, situated at Khetlhakone Village outside Modjadjiskloof in Limpopo.
The factional Balobedu Royal Council consists of the late queen’s advisers and are backing Princess Masalanabo to be Queen.
However, the Modjadji Royal Council believed Prince Lekukela to be the rightful heir.
Limpopo premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba welcomed the recognition
"We would like to welcome this decision as it brings to a close a matter that has been hanging for a while. This recognition assures the province of the continuity of the Rain Queenship that we always associated with Balobedu Queenship.
"We pay our homage and respects to Queen Masalanabo Modjadji VII, and that residents of Limpopo are blessed to have such a mighty Queenship reigning over its affairs," said Ramathuba.
However, The Modjadji Royal Council has vowed to challenge Ramaphosa’s decision in court.0
Its spokesperson, Ronny Moroatshehla, reportedly said they were not consulted by the Presidency.
“Both the royal family and the Modjadji royal council have received shock with the statement from the presidency, which is recognising princess Masalanabo, as the next leader of the Modjadji royal nation.
“I think somebody has overstepped his or her limit and it's very regrettable. I think the President was misled and we are therefore going to challenge this decision and it is not going to be nice,” he told SABC.
The Star