Queen Masalanabo Modjadji VII coronation cancelled

The coronation of Queen Masalanabo Modjadji VII has been officially cancelled, amid a court battle over the throne.

Queen Masalanabo was formally recognised by President Cyril Ramaphosa as the monarch of the Modjadji kingdom on 13 December 2024.

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However, the recognition was rejected by Princess Masalanabo Modjadji’s older brother, Prince Lekukela Modjadji, who has approached the courts.

The coronation of Queen Masalanabo Modjadji VII was scheduled for September this year.

However, the South African government announced that it will not fund or organise the coronation, citing pending court proceedings.

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The decision is in response to two pending court applications: an interdict application launched by Prince Lekukela Modjadji against Dr. Mathole Motshekga and Princess Masalanabo Modjadji, and a review application to set aside the President’s decision to recognise Princess Masalanabo as Queen Modjadji VII.

The Balobedu Royal Council, aligned to Princess Masalanabo, has put the coronation on hold. 

“Our hope is for Queen Masalanabo to be crowned in the presence of her family, and for all of this to be resolved peacefully,” Balobedu Royal Council, Gabriel Rasebotsa was quoted by Letaba Herald.