Princess Masalanabo Modjadji recognised as Balobedu Queen
President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday officially recognised Princess Masalanabo Modjadji as the Queen of the Balobedu nation.
Famously known as the rain queen, 18-year-old Princess Masalanabo will ascend to the throne as Queen Modjadji VII.
She took over from her uncle, Prince Mpapatla Modjadji, who was a regent.
Ramaphosa says 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.
"President Ramaphosa wishes Her Majesty a long and prosperous reign and looks forward to working with Her Majesty and the Royal Family,” said President spokesperson Vincent Magwenya.
"In advancing socio-economic development of people living under the jurisdiction of Balobedu Queenship."
Masalanabo will be officially inaugurated as the ruler of Balobedu after legal battles in the royal council, which led to an attempt in 2021 to announce her elder brother, Prince Lekukela Modjadji, as heir to the throne.
His inauguration would have broken South Africa’s 200-year-old tradition of having only female monarchs.
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