By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Balobedu Royal Family is taking President Cyril Ramaphosa to court to challenge his decision to recognise Masalanabo Modjadji as Queen.
Queen Masalanabo 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.
Queen Masalanabo Modjadji VII, also known as the Rain Queen, has expressed her heartfelt gratitude to government, the Balobedu Royal Council, and all those who have supported her succession to the throne.
However Ronny Moroatshehla, spokesman for the Modjadji Royal Nation, said no one, including the president, is above the law.
“Both the royal family and council have received with shock 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,” he said.
Moroatshehla said that the president cannot violate an Act of Parliament without scrutiny.
He emphasised that it is the royal family’s responsibility to select an heir.
“It then becomes the prerogative of the president to recognise the identified heir. In case of any dispute within the royal family, it’s the government’s responsibility to establish an investigative committee,” he said.
He said that none of these procedures have been followed.
“The president has overstepped his powers. The family has identified Prince Lekukela Modjadji as the king of the Balobedu nation,” he said.
This development will end a four year 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.
Under her reign, Queen Modjadji VII is expected to lead initiatives that address the socioeconomic needs of her people.
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.