President Cyril Ramaphosa has legally recognised Princess Masalanabo Modjadji VII as the Queen of the Balobedu Queenship, in terms of the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act, making it the only legally recognised Queenship in the country.

The Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya noted that the recognition of the Queen introduces a new chapter and is a moment of great significance to the Balobedu Nation.

Magwenya explained that while the Balobedu Queenship was recognised by government in 2016, in terms of the Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Act, at the time, Queen Modjadji was only 10 years old and could not legally ascend the throne.

“As a result, since the time of the recognition of the Queenship, His Royal Highness, Prince Mpapatla Modjadji, Queen Masalanabo Modjadji’s maternal uncle, held the fort for her as a Regent until she turned 18,” he explained.

The Queen has now turned 18 and ascends the throne as Queen Modjadji VII of the Balobedu Nation, stated Magwenya.

“In accordance with Section 12(8)(a) of the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act of 2019, as soon as the successor to the position of a queen/king ceases to be a minor, the rightful successor must be recognised by the President as the queen/king. A certificate of recognition must be issued after her/his name has been published in the Gazette,” he explained.

On behalf of government, Ramaphosa wished Queen Masalanabo Modjadji a long and prosperous reign and said he looked forward to working with her and the Royal Family to advance the socio-economic development of people living under the jurisdiction of the Balobedu Queenship.