Prince Lekukela Modjadji of the Balobedu Royal Nation has publicly appealed for his younger sister, Princess Masalanabo Modjadji, to return home, marking another dramatic chapter in the ongoing dispute over the throne. The royal siblings have been embroiled in years of legal battles, each laying claim to the legacy of their late mother, Queen Makobo Modjadji, who passed away in 2005.
In his emotional plea, Prince Lekukela expressed his profound disappointment at the South African government’s decision to recognize Princess Masalanabo as the rightful heir to the throne. He voiced his discontent, accusing the government of bypassing the royal family in making this decision and undermining the traditions and customs of the Balobedu people. Addressing the media from Khetlhakoni, outside Modjadjiskloof, Prince Lekukela criticized President Cyril Ramaphosa’s choice, stating that it disregarded the values and rules that have guided the Modjadji succession for generations.
Despite the tensions, the prince reiterated his love for his sister and urged her to return home. He emphasized that it was crucial for the royal family to come together and honor their mother’s legacy in a way that aligns with their customs. “We need to deal with our mother’s legacy the correct way,” he said, expressing hope that their differences could be resolved in a spirit of unity and understanding.
Princess Masalanabo, who is now 12 years old, has been living under the care of ANC heavyweight Dr. Mothole Motshekga since she was a toddler, awaiting the age of majority to formally take on her royal duties. The princess, often referred to as South Africa’s only female traditional ruler, has been claimed by many to possess mystical rainmaking powers, a key aspect of the Modjadji royal tradition. Her transition to the throne, however, has not been smooth, with her brother challenging her ascension.
Prince Lekukela made it clear that, while he desires reconciliation, he will not relinquish his claim to the throne. He has vowed to continue his fight for what he believes is his rightful place as the leader of the Balobedu people. “I will not back down from my responsibilities as the rightful heir,” he stated. His comments also targeted Dr. Motshekga, who has been an ardent supporter of Princess Masalanabo’s claim. The prince accused Motshekga of attempting to impose himself on the royal family and of disregarding the long-standing customs of the Balobedu people.
Dr. Motshekga, however, has dismissed the prince’s claims, labeling them as irrelevant and accusing him of attempting to disrupt the royal transition. Speaking in a recent interview, Motshekga remarked that the matter was no longer within their domain and that any further court actions would be futile. “We are no longer in that space to entertain them,” he stated, making it clear that the decision had been made by the government, and the focus should now be on supporting the princess’s rule rather than continuing to challenge it.
The latest twist in this royal saga came in December 2024 when President Ramaphosa officially recognized Princess Masalanabo as Queen Modjadji VII, following her 18th birthday. According to the provisions of the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act of 2019, the president is required to issue a certificate of recognition once the successor reaches adulthood, a decision that has now set the stage for further conflict.
The legal battle over the throne has been ongoing for nearly two decades, and the government’s decision has added fuel to an already heated dispute. The Balobedu royal family is now at a crossroads, with the future of the monarchy hanging in the balance. As the siblings continue their struggle, it remains unclear how the situation will unfold or whether peace will be reached, given the deep-rooted tensions that have shaped their relationship.
