Masalanabo Modjadji VII
| Masalanabo II Modjadji VII | |
|---|---|
| Rain Queen of Balobedu | |
| Reign | 20 January 2023 - present |
| Coronation | August 2025 |
| Predecessor | Prince Mpapatla (as Prince Regent) |
| Born | 20 January 2005 Limpopo, South Africa |
| House | Modjadji |
| Father | David Mogale |
| Mother | Rain Queen Makobo Modjadji VI |
Masalanabo Modjadji VII (b. 20 January 2005) is the reigning and seventh in a line of the Balobedu tribe's Rain Queens. She was formally recognized as the queen by the South African government in 2023, following a lengthy period of royal dispute and legal challenges.[1] Her official coronation was originally scheduled for March 12, 2025,[2] but the coronation date was postponed to August 2025[3] to commemorate women's month in South Africa.[4]
Masalanabo is the daughter of the late Queen Makobo Modjadji VI, who passed away in 2005, when Masalanabo was an infant. Her succession to the throne was delayed due to her age and the complex royal disputes that followed her mother’s passing. Despite being widely expected to ascend as the next Rain Queen, the Modjadji Royal Council, led by her regent and older half-brother Prince Lekukela, contested her recognition, claiming that the proper traditional processes had not been followed. The royal council of Prince Regent Mpapatla, also raised objections to her upbringing in Johannesburg under the guidance of former legal advisor Mathole Motshekga and politician Angie Motshekga, accusing them of manipulating the situation for personal gain. [5] The couple have since denied the accusations and say that the regent and his council want to claim the crown under false pretenses for Prince Lekukela for their own reasons.
In 2023, at the age of 18, Masalanabo’s right to the throne was legally confirmed by President Cyril Ramaphosa[6] under the Traditional Khoi-San Leadership Act,[2] making her the only legally recognized female tribal monarch in South Africa, ranking amongst powerful tribal kings such as Zulu King Misuzulu Sinqobile kaZwelithini. Her ascension to the throne marks the continuation of the Modjadji queenship legacy. This dynasty has followed a matrilineal primogeniture custom for over 200 years, with leadership passed down through a female-only line, a tradition that continues with Masalanabo's ascension.
She is believed to have special power over rainfall by her subjects. [7] [8]
Masalanabo Modjadji VII is the second Rain Queen, after her mother Makobo, to receive a formal education and will be the youngest ever to ascend to the throne.[9] She began her schooling at the age of nine, and plays sports. She was the first reigning Rain Queen to pass her matric, and reportedly intends to study social development or law at the university level.[10]
References
[edit]- ^ "Queen Masalanabo Modjadji VII makes history with matric success amid royal dispute".
- ^ a b Sekwela, Judas. "Historic moment: Rain Queen ascends the throne!". Daily Sun.
- ^ "Coronation Preparations for Balobedu Queen Masalanabo Steam Ahead Despite Court Challenge Threats - African Times". www.atnews.co.za. 2025-02-11. Retrieved 2025-03-24.
- ^ Sebola, Itumeleng (February 5, 2025). "Modjadji Rain Queen's coronation to take place in August". Capricorn FM.
- ^ Sadike, Mashudu. "Modjadji queenship dispute heads to court". www.iol.co.za.
- ^ "Queen Masalanabo Modjadji legally recognised | SAnews". www.sanews.gov.za. December 13, 2024.
- ^ "President Ramaphosa legally recognises Her Majesty Queen Masalanabo Modjadji VII of the Balobedu Queenship | The Presidency". www.thepresidency.gov.za.
- ^ https://www.cogta.gov.za/index.php/2016/07/27/the-balobedu-queenship-recognised-and-dignity-restored/
- ^ Mkwananzi, Masabata. "Historic First: Balobedu Rain Queen Masalanabo Modjadji VII Achieves Matric Success". www.iol.co.za. Retrieved 2025-04-01.
- ^ Mkwananzi, Masabata. "Historic First: Balobedu Rain Queen Masalanabo Modjadji VII Achieves Matric Success". www.iol.co.za. Retrieved 2025-03-24.