Kamogelo Muvhenzhe
For centuries, the Balobedu people have been ruled by queens.
Their first queen, Maselekane Modjadji, ruled the Limpopo tribe for 54 years and she was succeeded by her eldest daughter.
This tradition was continued for the next 400 years.
On Friday, the tribe in Limpopo was shocked when a letter was released by the Balobedu Royal Council naming the late Queen Makobo Modjadji’s son Lekukela as the rightful heir to the throne.
In the letter, written in Khelobedu and dated 7 May 2021, the Royal Council encouraged the tribe to support their decision as they took into consideration gender equality and the fact that Lekukela was the late Queen’s eldest child.
The letter said Lekukela’s coronation will be held on 22 October 2022.
This is despite the fact that the male children of the Rain Queen are traditionally not allowed to inherit the throne.
Masalanabo, who is the only daughter of the late Queen Makobo, was recognised by former President Jacob Zuma in 2016 and was presented with a certificate.
This came after the apartheid government downgraded them to chieftaincy in 1972.
Masalanabo became next in line for the queenship when her mother died in 2005, at the age of 27.
The young queen was only three months old at the time of her mother’s death.
Even after the recognition of the Queenship by the government, Masalanabo is still a minor and is therefore only able to ascend to the throne when she turns 18.
In 2018, the Balobedu tribe celebrated Masalanabo’s Queenship with President Cyril Ramaphosa in attendance.
Her uncle, Mpapatla Modjadji, has been regent for more than sixteen years.
Masalanabo is currently staying with ANC Stalwart, Mathole Motshekga, as her guardian after a custody battle with her biological father.
Motshekga was once an advisor to the Balobedu Royal council.
Attempts to reach Regent Mpapatla and Motshekga were unsuccessful.
