Queen Masalanabo Modjadji VII.
The legal warfare tearing apart the Balobedu royal family has taken a dramatic turn. The Pretoria High Court has dismissed an urgent application aimed at stripping Queen Masalanabo Modjadji VII of her authority over traditional customs.
The Balobedu Royal Council, operating from the Maolwe Royal Court, issued an immediate press statement celebrating the ruling delivered by Judge Mkhabela. The court rejected an urgent bid by Prince Mpapatla Bakhoma Modjadji, who had sought a legal order to halt the opening of initiation schools that were officially directed by Queen Masalanabo and approved by Limpopo Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba.
A Blow to the Regency
The judgment is a significant blow to the rival traditionalist faction. In its media release, The Queen’s council did not hold back, taking direct aim at the social standing of the Prince.
“Under Balobedu culture and tradition, Mr. Mpapatla is neither a headman nor a chief and therefore does not have the authority to represent the Balobedu Royal Nation on any matter of public interest,” the statement reads.
The Queen’s council noted that the court victory should serve as a firm lesson to all South Africans that royal leadership squabbles belong within the family, not in public courtrooms. They argued that these highly sensitive matters must be handled through African spiritual and cultural heritage, which is protected under the country’s Constitution.
Shuttling the Khetlhakoni Offices
Beyond the battlefield of cultural rituals, the court victory has triggered a sweeping administrative takeover. The Queen’s council announced that the historic traditional offices at Khetlhakoni are being shut down with immediate effect.
According to the council, the end of the official regency meant that all administrative powers were legally required to transfer directly to Queen Masalanabo. However, they claim the continued operation of the Khetlhakoni offices under disputed, irregular leadership was causing massive confusion and dividing local residents.
Following a high-level meeting at Shidila Lodge between senior officials of the Limpopo Provincial Government and representatives of the Queen, a mutual agreement was reached to close down the Khetlhakoni premises permanently.
New Headquarters and the Path Forward
To ensure governance continues smoothly, the Royal Nation has requested that all official royal and traditional matters be redirected away from the old structures. Temporary administrative offices are being set up at No. 3 Uitsig Street in Modjadjiskloof and in Madumeleng.
These new offices will operate under the guidance of Chief Designate Prince Molate Mokoto to manage the transition. The council warned that any government officials who continue to engage with unauthorized royal structures risk undermining the legal authority of the sitting Queen.
The statement was prepared by the Secretariat of The Queen’s Council with prominent figures like Professor Mathole Motshekga listed as Chief Councillor. While the ruling stabilizes Queen Masalanabo’s grip on the throne for now, it remains to be seen how the traditionalists at Khetlhakoni will react to the physical closure of their administrative home.