Masalanabo Modjadji VII
| Masalanabo II Modjadji VII | |
|---|---|
| Rain Queen of Balobedu | |
| Reign | 2023–present |
| Coronation | August 2025 |
| Predecessor | Makobo Modjadji |
| Born | 20 January 2005 Limpopo, South Africa |
| House | Modjadji |
| Father | David Mogale |
| Mother | Rain Queen Makobo Modjadji VI |
Masalanabo Modjadji VII (born 20 January 2005) is the seventh and reigning Rain Queen of the Balobedu tribe. Her title was formally recognised by the South African government in 2024, following a lengthy period of royal dispute and legal challenges.[1] As Rain Queen, she is believed by her subjects to have special power over rainfall.[2][3]
Early life and education
[edit]Masalanabo was born to Queen Makobo Modjadji, who died when Masalanabo was nearly five months old. Her succession to the throne was delayed due to her age and the complex royal disputes that followed her mother's death. 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.[4] The couple denied the accusations and said that the regent and his council want to claim the crown under false pretenses for Prince Lekukela for their own reasons.[citation needed] In 2023, the Balobedu Royal Council endorsed her accession shortly after she turned 18 in January.[5]
Masalanabo is the second Rain Queen to receive a formal education, after her mother Makobo. 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.[6]
Reign
[edit]In December 2024, Masalanabo's right to the throne was legally recognised by President Cyril Ramaphosa[7] under the Traditional Khoi-San Leadership Act,[8] making her the only legally recognised female tribal monarch in South Africa, ranking among powerful tribal kings such as Zulu King Misuzulu Sinqobile kaZwelithini. At the age of 19, she was also the youngest Rain Queen. 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.
Her official coronation was originally scheduled for 12 March 2025,[8] but was postponed to August to commemorate women's month in South Africa.[9][10]
References
[edit]- ^ "Queen Masalanabo Modjadji VII makes history with matric success amid royal dispute". TimesLIVE.
- ^ "President Ramaphosa legally recognises Her Majesty Queen Masalanabo Modjadji VII of the Balobedu Queenship | The Presidency". www.thepresidency.gov.za.
- ^ "The Balobedu Queenship Recognised and Dignity Restored – Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs". www.cogta.gov.za. Archived from the original on 30 November 2022. Retrieved 25 May 2025.
- ^ Sadike, Mashudu (26 January 2015). "Modjadji queenship dispute heads to court". www.iol.co.za.
- ^ Magubane, Pearl (16 April 2023). "Balobedu Royal Council endorses Masalanabo as next Queen". SABC News. Retrieved 6 June 2025.
- ^ Mkwananzi, Masabata. "Historic First: Balobedu Rain Queen Masalanabo Modjadji VII Achieves Matric Success". www.iol.co.za. Retrieved 24 March 2025.
- ^ "Queen Masalanabo Modjadji legally recognised". South African Government News Agency. 13 December 2024.
- ^ a b Sekwela, Judas. "Historic moment: Rain Queen ascends the throne!". Daily Sun.
- ^ Sebola, Itumeleng (5 February 2025). "Modjadji Rain Queen's coronation to take place in August". Capricorn FM.
- ^ "Coronation Preparations for Balobedu Queen Masalanabo Steam Ahead Despite Court Challenge Threats". African Times. 11 February 2025. Retrieved 24 March 2025.