Battle for Modjadji ‘rain’ throne continues

This comes despite a court battle and after her elder brother, Prince Lekukela Modjadji was crowned in October last year during a traditional coronation in Khetlhakoni village, Modjadjiskloof. Princess Masalanabo came of age in January this year when she turned eighteen, paving the way for her to be installed as the new queen of the Balobedu nation. Dr. Mathole Motshekga, a former national executive member of the ANC and in whose household Princess Masalanabo grew up in Gauteng, said that the government, including the former president, Jacob Zuma, and the current president, Cyril Ramaphosa has recognised Princess Masalanabo Modjadji as the Rain Queen.

Also read: Battle for Modjadji Rain Queen crown is ongoing

Motshekga has been engrossed in a legal battle to be recognised as her legal representative since last year. However, last month, on January 26, the Pretoria High Court denied Motshekga the right to represent Princess Masalanabo. When the Herald asked Motshekga about the ruling, he said that it no longer mattered since Princess Masalanabo is no longer a minor. “We are waiting for the queenship certificate from the president. The law says that you cannot change anything that was done before 1921 and that is what the royal council is trying to do.

“For 200 years, the Bolobedu nation was ruled by women. The royal council consists of 10 councils and one council cannot overrule the decision by others,” said Motshekga. A statement received by the Herald by the backers of the princess, read: “The Balobedu Royal Council is busy with the establishment of the queen’s council which will be formed by senior traditional leaders. We have already started with the preparation for the inauguration on April 11. The request has already been sent to President Cyril Ramaphosa for issuing the queenship certificate.”

Also read: Lekukela is first Rain King in 200 years

Herald also contacted one of the royal council spokespeople, Ronnie Moroatshehla, supporting Prince Lekukela, about the ruling against Motshekga. He said that they are pleased with the court’s decision. “Motshekga was instructed that he is not allowed to represent Masalanabo since he was never the legal guardian of the princess. We are waiting to see what his next step is after this decision. We will never allow an outsider to dictate who should be on the throne, we have installed Prince Lekukela as the Rain King and that is our final decision.

“He is to blame for all of this since he never wanted her to undergo training to become the Rain Queen,” he said. The main case centres on the two siblings seeking to ascend the throne, but a date for the legal battle can only be announced after the appeal process.