President Cyril Ramaphosa has legally recognised Princess Masalanabo Modjadji as the new Balobedu Queen. The Balobedu Queenship was recognised by the government on 31 March 2016 in terms of the Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Act, 2003 (Act No. 41 of 2003), and it is the only legally recognised Queenship in the country.

RECOGNISED

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 when she was 11 years old. Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said at the time, Masalanabo was a minor and could not legally ascend the throne. "As a result, since the time of the recognition of the Queenship, His Royal Highness, Prince Mpapatla Modjadji, Queen Masalanabo Modjadji's maternal uncle, held the fort for her as a regent until she turned 18. The queen has now turned 18 and ascended the throne as Queen Modjadji VII of the Balobedu nation," Magwenya said, adding that in accordance with Section 12(8)(a) of the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act of 2019, as soon as the successor to the position of a queen/king ceases to be a minor, the rightful successor must be recognised by the President as the queen or king.

FIGHT OVER THE RAIN THRONE

Magwenya added that the recognition of Queen Modjadji VII introduces a new chapter and is a moment of great significance to the rich history of the Balobedu Nation. "On behalf of the government, President Ramaphosa wishes Her Majesty a long and prosperous reign and looks forward to working with Her Majesty and the Royal Family in advancing the socio-economic development of people living under the jurisdiction of Balobedu Queenship," he added. In 2022, Masalanabo's uncle and the then regent Prince Mpapatla Modjadji appointed the queen's only brother, Prince Lekukela Modjadji, as the king of the tribe. This happened even though the male children of the Rain Queen were traditionally not allowed to inherit the throne. Masalanabo's advisor and foster parent, Mathole Motshekga, launched an urgent application at the Pretoria High Court to stop Lekukela's installation, but the matter was struck off the roll.

THE BALOBEDU QUEENDON

For centuries, the Balobedu people have been ruled by queens, with Maselekane Modjadji I as their first queen. She ruled the Limpopo tribe for 54 years and she was succeeded by her eldest daughter, Rain Queen Masalanabo Modjadji II. This tradition was continued for the next 400 years, but the apartheid government downgraded them to chieftaincy in 1972. The Modjadji are believed to have the power to control the clouds and rainfall, and to bring rain to their allies and drought to their enemies. Masalanabo became next in line for the queenship when her mother died in 2005 from meningitis at the age of 27. The young queen was only three months old at the time of her mother's death. Balobedu Royal Council, Secretary-General, Gabriel Rasebotsa said they were excited about the recognition and said the queen will hold a press briefing next week to clarify things.