OPINION | Mzansi Magic's new series on Queen Modjadji is a game changer in the ongoing battle for the Balobedu throne

Mzansi Magic recently revealed a new drama series called Queen Modjadji, which is coming soon to our screens. The story is inspired by the world famous Balobedu rainmaker, Queen Maselewane Modjadji l. 

Last year I wrote about Khelobedu as a language and the status it has been given by our Constitution as one of the dialects of Sepedi. I personally think that this series should be a reminder to President Ramaphosa that in 2018 he promised to make Khelobedu the 12th official language, a promise that Mandela failed to keep.

But what concerns me the most is the timing of this series. The Balobedu people do not have a Queen at the moment. The late Queen's children, Princess Masalanabo and Prince Lekukela, are fighting for the throne. 

Princess Masalanabo was only few months old when her mother, Rain Queen Makobo Modjadji VI, died in 2005 leaving behind the young Princess and her elder brother Prince Lekukela Modjadji. As a custom, the royal council proceeded to appoint a regent to look after the throne while the Princess matured. When the South African government requested the name of the person whom the regent will be acting on behalf of, the royal council submitted the name of Princess Masalanabo as the next to the throne. 

President Jacob Zuma immediately recognized Princess Masalanabo and informed the Balobedu people that the queen’s certificate of queenship is waiting for her to attain 18 years before it can be issued as per the law.

However, In a surprising move, the factionalised royal council decided to appoint Prince Lekukela as the ruler of the Balobedu people and relegated Princess Masalanabo to the position of Khadzi Khulu (great-aunt). They even performed a traditional installation for him to be installed as king in 2022. On the other hand, Princess Masalanabo also did a coronation last year in 2023 clearly declaring herself as the Queen of the Balobedu people. 

Princess Masalanabo stays with education minister Angie Motshekga and she has the full support of President Ramaphosa and the ANC. On Saturday the ANC launched its manifesto in Durban and Ramaphosa said that his party has accorded recognition to the kings and a Queen (referring to Princess Masalanabo).

For this reason I think that the series is going to play a big role in influencing the decision to appoint Princess Masalanabo as the next Queen. That is why barely 24-hours after Mzansi Magic announced that production of the series has commenced some members of the Modjadji royal family aligned to Prince Lekukela's faction threatened to sue MultiChoice. Interesting times. #MondayThoughts #happymonday

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