Mawa Cluster meeting of Headmen and Headwomen.
The Modjadji Royal Family and Council are in full gear preparing for the State of the Modjadji Royal Nation Address.
Prince Lekukela Hex Modjadji, the king-elect of the Balobedu Nation, will deliver the address to respond to the recognition of Princess Masalanabo Modjadji. This event marks only the second time Prince Lekukela, as king-elect, will address the nation, following an earlier internal address to the extended Modjadji Royal Council, which included headmen and headwomen.
The Modjadji Royal Family, led by Bakhoma Mpapatla Modjadji, has firmly rejected President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to recognize Princess Masalanabo Modjadji.
They view it as unilateral and are challenging it in favour of Prince Lekukela Modjadji, the elder child of the late Queen Makobo Modjadji VI.
The address is scheduled for Monday, January 13, 2025, at Khetlhakone, the capital of the Modjadji Royal Nation. In preparation, the Royal Council is rallying all headmen and women under its jurisdiction to defend the Kingdom and the institution of traditional and Khoisan leadership against perceived governmental threats.
Simultaneously, the Modjadji Royal Nation is mounting a High Court challenge against President Ramaphosa’s recognition of Princess Masalanabo as the Queen. They are also seeking to have Prince Lekukela Hex Modjadji recognized as the rightful successor.
The controversy reaches a peak as the coronation of Princess Masalanabo Modjadji is scheduled for April 12, 2025, threatening to split the nation. With this divide, two power centres will emerge: Maolwe and the traditional headquarters of Khetlhakone.
Modjadji Royal Family and Council Spokesperson Ronnie Moroatshehla, speaking in Khelobedu, his native tongue, said, “Bohosi bya Modjadji le a tseba hore be kae Balobedu, be lubiwa Khetlhakoni, and not Modjadjiskloof and not Maolwe.” This translates to a declaration that there is one Modjadji Kingdom, firmly established in its historical headquarters of Khetlhakone. This statement underscores the commitment of the Royal Family and Council to maintain the unity and historical legacy of their kingdom amidst growing tensions.
As the date approaches, legal battles loom large, poised to determine the legitimate ruler of the Balobedu Royal Nation. The upcoming address by Prince Lekukela is expected to be a pivotal moment in this unfolding royal saga.