The coronation of Princess Masalanabo Modjadi, the heir to the Balobedu throne, has been scheduled for March next year, according to a statement from her office.
This announcement follows President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent issuance of a certificate of recognition, officially acknowledging the princess as the future queen of the Balobedu people.
Princess Masalanabo will succeed her late mother, Queen Makobo Modjadji VI. Currently, the princess is in the process of forming her royal council to guide her leadership.
However, there are two parallel royal councils at play. The first is the Modjadji royal council, led by her uncle and current regent, Prince Mpapatla Modjadji. The second is the Balobedu royal council, which has long maintained that the throne is the princess’s birthright.
In recent developments, the Modjadji royal council hosted a traditional installation ceremony for Princess Masalanabo’s brother, Prince Lekukela, and announced plans to recommend him to the presidency as the heir to the throne.
The Modjadji royal council is now preparing legal action to challenge President Ramaphosa’s decision to recognize Princess Masalanabo, with plans to approach the courts to overturn the recognition certificate.