By Celani Sikhakhane
President Cyril Ramaphosa is facing backlash from the Modjadji royal council for officially recognising Princess Masalanabo Modjadji as the Queen of the Balobedu nation.
Some members of the royal family argue that the President was misled and accuse him of interfering in a matter traditionally handled by the royal council.
Royal council spokesperson Ronny Moroatshehla expressed frustration over the decision, stating that neither the royal family nor the council was consulted.
“Both the royal family and the Modjadji royal council have received shock with 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, and it is not going to be nice,” he said.
The royal council has been divided over who should ascend the throne. Some members support Princess Masalanabo, while others back her brother, Prince Lekukela Modjadji, as heir.
The battle over Princess Masalanabo’s recognition has been contentious. ANC veteran Dr Mathole Motshekga previously went to court to block Prince Lekukela’s claim to the throne, advocating for Masalanabo.
However, Motshekga, who served as the princess’s guardian until she turned 18, dropped the case last year, citing financial difficulties.
Queen Modjadji VII was first recognised as the rightful Rain Queen by the government in 2016 when she was only 10 years old. Her uncle, Prince Mpapatla Modjadji, served as regent until she came of age.
The Presidency has called this recognition a “new chapter in the rich history of the Balobedu nation,” but the royal family is preparing to challenge the decision.
Pictured above: President Cyril Ramaphosa and Princess Masalanabo Modjadji, when she was first recognised as the next Rain Queen of Balobedu nation at just 10 years old in 2016.
Source: X
