The Modjadji Royal Council in Limpopo held a briefing on Monday over a controversial ascension to the throne that caused a rift in the Modjadji royal house and the Balobedu nation.
Frennie Shivambu/Gallo Images
It is not only women who can lead the Balobedu nation, men can also ascend to the throne.
Balobedu regent Mpapatla Bakhoma Modjadji explained why the royal council chose Prince Lekukela Modjadji to succeed his late mother, Queen Makobo Modjadji VI.
Prince Lekukela will be inaugurated next year. Our throne is not attached to any gender, says the regent of the Balobedu tribe in Limpopo Mpapatla Bakhoma Modjadji.
He was giving a media briefing hosted by the Modjadji Royal Council on Monday following the surprise announcement last week that Lekukela Modjadji would officially take over the throne in the rainmaking kingdom, instead of his sister Masalanabo.
Prince Lekukela Modjadji ascends to Balobedu royal family throne News24
Comments A 13-year-old Masalanabo Modjadji during the Motsepe Foundation national day of prayer on 25 November 2018 in Johannesburg. Credit: Gallo Images
Prince Lekukela Modjadji, the son of the late Rain Queen Makobo Modjadji, has been appointed king of the Balobedu nation, 16 years after her death.
The government recognised the Balobedu queenship in 2016, paving the way for his 16-year-old sister, Masalanabo, to become Rain Queen VII.
His appointment shocked many in the Limpopo tribe who expected Masalanabo to ascend to the throne at the age of 18.
The heir to the Balobedu throne has been matrilineal and all heirs are referred to as rain queens.