Prince Lekukela Modjadji Urges Sister to Return Amidst Royal Succession Dispute

he royal family of the Balobedu Royal Nation is embroiled in a tense succession dispute, with Prince Lekukela Modjadji urging his younger sister, Princess Masalanabo Modjadji, to return home. The dispute has escalated over the recognition of Princess Masalanabo as the rightful heir, a decision that has stirred deep divisions within the family.

Background on the Royal Succession Dispute

The battle for the throne intensified after the passing of their mother, Queen Makobo Modjadji, in 2005. Both siblings, Prince Lekukela and Princess Masalanabo, have claimed their right to the throne, but the South African government’s December 2024 decision to recognize Princess Masalanabo has further complicated matters.

Prince Lekukela expressed his disappointment with the government’s move, stating that it failed to consult the royal family before declaring his sister the rightful heir. He accused President Cyril Ramaphosa of undermining the customs and traditions of the Balobedu people by recognizing Princess Masalanabo without involving the family in the decision-making process.

Picture:AFP PHOTO / MUJAHID SAFODIEN

Prince Lekukela’s Plea for Reconciliation

Despite the ongoing legal and political battles, Prince Lekukela made a heartfelt plea to his sister. He emphasized his love for her and urged her to return home, where the royal family could address their mother’s legacy and resolve the dispute in line with their traditions. He encouraged her to return with a clear mind and sober perspective, putting aside their differences.

Princess Masalanabo, who is 12 years old, has been under the guardianship of ANC figure Dr. Mothole Motshekga since her early childhood. As the country’s only female traditional ruler with claims to mystical rainmaking powers, she has garnered considerable attention. However, her return to the family and formal ascendancy to the throne remains a point of contention.

The Role of Dr. Motshekga and the Government’s Involvement

While Prince Lekukela continues to assert his claim, he also criticized Dr. Motshekga for supporting Princess Masalanabo’s position. He accused Motshekga of trying to impose his will on the royal family and disregarding their cultural norms. Motshekga, in turn, dismissed Prince Lekukela’s attempts to challenge the decision, clarifying that the focus should be on the government’s recognition of Princess Masalanabo, not on internal family disputes.

In an interview, Motshekga stated that any legal action by Prince Lekukela and his supporters would not change the situation. He emphasized that the matter was now beyond the family’s control and that their challenges should be directed at the President’s decision, not at the royal family or its customs.

The Government’s Decision

The government’s decision to recognize Princess Masalanabo as Queen Modjadji VII has added a new dimension to the ongoing battle. According to the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act of 2019, the President must recognize the successor once they reach adulthood. Princess Masalanabo, having turned 18, is now legally acknowledged as the queen.

The recognition marks the culmination of years of court battles, with the siblings’ dispute over the throne reaching a critical juncture. The outcome of this recognition and the royal family’s reaction will shape the future of the Balobedu Royal Nation and its governance.

As the succession battle continues to unfold, Prince Lekukela’s call for unity and the return of Princess Masalanabo signals a desire to preserve the royal family’s legacy while navigating the complexities of government involvement in traditional leadership. The future of the Modjadji royal family remains uncertain, and the final resolution will depend on both legal proceedings and the willingness of the family to come together for the greater good of their people.

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