Flashback: President Cyril Ramaphosa with Rain Queen Masalanabo Modjadji.
In a historic but contentious development, President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially recognised Princess Masalanabo Modjadji as Queen of the Balobedu Queenship. This milestone follows years of dispute over who would succeed the late Queen Makobo Modjadji VI.
The Balobedu Queenship, the only legally recognised Queenship in South Africa, was formally acknowledged by the government in 2016. However, the question of succession became a focal point of a protracted tussle between Princess Masalanabo and her elder brother, Prince Lekukela Modjadji. While Princess Masalanabo was seen by some as the rightful heir, the Modjadji Royal Family and Council had designated Prince Lekukela as successor after losing custody of the Princess to ANC politician Mathole Motshekga.
At 18, Her Majesty Queen Masalanabo Modjadji VII now ascends the throne, with her recognition rooted in the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act of 2019. This law mandates that a rightful successor be formally recognised once they come of age. However, uncertainty looms as it remains unclear whether the Modjadji Royal Family and Council will accept this recognition or challenge it in court to overturn the decision.
As of press time, neither Queen Masalanabo nor the Modjadji Royal Family and Council had issued any statements regarding the President’s announcement.
President Ramaphosa hailed the recognition as a “new chapter of pride and promise” for the Balobedu nation and pledged the government’s cooperation with Her Majesty and the Royal Family to foster socio-economic development in the region.
While this moment marks a significant step in the legacy of the Balobedu Queenship, it also sets the stage for potential legal and familial challenges in the days ahead. The reign of the Rain Queen continues, but the road forward remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, the Limpopo Provincial Government has welcomed President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to recognise Her Majesty Queen Masalanabo Modjadji VII as the Queen of the Balobedu Queenship.
The Premier of Limpopo, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, says that the province welcomes this decision with such great jubilation.
“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 Premier Dr Ramathuba.
In light of this recognition the Limpopo Provincial government will, in accordance with the statutes and all the other prescripts due to the Queenship, offer any assistance required.