Traditional Leaders march against Queen Masalanabo’s recognition
Some traditional leaders from Bolobedu staged a march to the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Thursday, protesting President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recognition of Masalanabo Modjadji as Queen of the Balobedu Nation.
President Ramaphosa legally recognised Princess Masalanabo as the Queen of the Balobedu in December 2024.
The recognition has been rejected by Prince Lekukela Modjadji, who is Princess Masalanabo Modjadji’s older brother.
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Prince Lekukela has claimed he is the rightful heir to the throne. Princess Masalanabo and Prince Lekukela are children of the late Rain Queen Makobo Modjadji.
A group that backs Prince Lekukela, led by Bishop Lesetja Mokati, took their displeasure to the capital City on Thursday. This comes as Prince Lekukela also filed court papers to challenge Ramaphosa’s decision.
“We are here to reinforce our call to the President to reverse his declaration to recognise Masalanabo. In respect of the royal council’s resolution which appointed Prince Lekukela as our next king,” Pastor Mokati said as per African Times.
MARCH AGAINST QUEEN MASALANABO MODJADJI RECOGNITION BY PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA
Bishop Mokati argues that the decision was made without proper consultation. He says it disregards traditional protocols and threatens the legitimacy of their leadership structures.
“Masalanabo did not grow up at the royal house and she’s a foreign to our customs as Balobedu.
But the Balobedu Royal Council has condemned the march. They also called it illegal and fruitless, further maintaining that due process was also followed prior to the appointment of Queen Masalanabo.
“The Balobedu Royal Council is initiating urgent steps to restore order and uphold the legitimacy of the throne,” said Queen Masalanabo’s chief royal council advisor, Mathole Motshekga.
“The council will take immediate measures to halt all illegal operations. Facilitate the lawful transition of governance structures. [To] also prevent the unauthorised use of state resources for activities that have not been sanctioned by the rightful authorities.”
