Bapedi Queen Leganabatho Manyaku Thulare ‘s birthday celebration appears to have been turned into a political duel by EFF and ANC for the Queen’s attention and goodwill.
ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula and EFF President Julius Malema will both speak as leaders of the rival organisations at the queen’s birthday party which will be held at Sherpstone Gardens in Joburg today.
Mbalula and Malema’s speeches at the jamboree are expected to set the stage for a closely watched encounter between two leaders from rival political parties seeking to strengthen their relationship with Limpopo’s most influential traditional institution.
The celebration comes as political parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the local government elections, raising questions about the political significance of the Queen’s growing profile and the interest shown in her by competing political formations.
Queen Thulare presides over the Bapedi royal institution, which represents one of the largest ethnic communities in Limpopo, making her relationship with political leaders potentially valuable as parties battle for support in the province.
Although the Queen cannot dictate how her subjects vote, political observers are likely to scrutinise whether Mbalula and Malema use the occasion to win her goodwill and establish themselves as the political leaders closest to the royal household.
The stakes are particularly high for the ANC and EFF, which have both cultivated relationships with the Queen.
Mbalula’s presence, with the assistance of ANCYL President Collen Malatji, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, ANC Second Deputy Secretary -General Maropeng Ramakgopa, is likely to be viewed as part of the governing party’s efforts to maintain its relationship with the Bapedi royal institution.
Malema, who is going to be accompanied by Gauteng Finance MEC Nkululeko Dunga ,has already demonstrated his close relationship with Queen Thulare.
In March 2023, Malema celebrated his 42nd birthday at the Bapedi Royal House in Mohlaletse, Sekhukhune, in the presence of the Queen.
During the occasion, he handed over a brand-new Toyota double-cab bakkie to Queen Thulare and a newly installed borehole to assist communities facing water shortages.
Now, with both Malema and Mbalula expected to address the birthday gathering, their competing appearances are likely to be closely watched.
A battle for political goodwill
For the two politicians, the Queen’s birthday is taking place at a politically sensitive time.
With the local government elections approaching, both parties will be seeking every possible advantage in communities where traditional leadership continues to wield considerable social and cultural influence.
The political calculation may be that securing the Queen’s goodwill could open doors to influential community networks, even if it does not translate directly into votes.
Any suggestion that the Queen could instruct her subjects to vote for a particular party would, however, be a matter of political influence rather than an established commitment by the royal household.
The Queen has not publicly indicated that she intends to endorse either the ANC or EFF.
Queen caught in royal succession battle
The political attention comes against the backdrop of the unresolved dispute over Queen Thulare ‘s position as Acting Queen/Regent of the Bapedi Kingship.
She became regent following the death of her son, the late King Victor Thulare III, in January 2021.
Her appointment has been challenged by members of the royal family and council who support Prince Morwamohube Ernest Thulare as regent.
In July 2025, the Supreme Court of Appeal referred the matter back to the Limpopo High Court for further proceedings and the leading of evidence concerning the composition of the royal family and the succession dispute.
Despite the legal battle, Queen Thulare has continued to perform royal and community responsibilities and is popular among her subjects.
Her relationship with the Limpopo provincial government has also been prominent.
In December 2024, then Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba led the provincial Executive Council on a courtesy visit to the Queen at the Bapedi Royal House in Mohlaletse.
The provincial government said the Executive Council had endorsed Queen Thulare ‘s appointment as Acting Queen of the Bapedi Kingship on December 12, 2024, following a Limpopo High Court order issued earlier that month.
The Queen later received a BMW X5 from the Limpopo government in 2026 as part of a programme to replace vehicles for qualifying traditional leaders.
But it is now the expected political duel between Mbalula and Malema that could dominate the Queen’s birthday celebration.
With both leaders expected to speak, the question will be who makes the stronger pitch, who wins the Queen’s attention and, ultimately, who leaves the celebration looking closest to the Bapedi royal household as the political battle for Limpopo intensifies.
Zulu king Misizulu Zulu and Rain Queen Masalanabo Modjadji are also expected to grace the occasion.
