The protracted power struggle engulfing the Balobedu royal family has escalated after the Pretoria High Court dismissed an urgent application challenging Queen Masalanabo Modjadji VII’s authority over traditional affairs.
The queen was dragged to court by her uncle and former regents leader, Mpapatla Modjadji, who argued that she does not have authority to open initiation schools in Bolobedu.
This was after Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba gave the queen the thumbs up to open the schools.
Judge Mkhabela dismissed the application.
In the wake of the judgment, the Balobedu Royal Council, based at the Maolwe Royal Court, released a a statement hailing the judgement as a victory for the queen and her administration.
In the statement, which was authored by chief councillor Professor Mathole Motshekga, the council also used the opportunity to question Mpapatla’s standing within the Balobedu traditional leadership structures.
“Under Balobedu culture and tradition, Mr Mpapatla is neither a headman nor a chief and therefore does not have the authority to represent the Balobedu Royal Nation on any matter of public interest,” the statement reads.
According to the council, the court ruling should send a strong message that disputes involving royal leadership should be resolved within the royal family rather than through the courts.
The council further argued that matters relating to traditional leadership and succession are rooted in African customs and spiritual practices that enjoy constitutional protection.
The judgment has also paved the way for major administrative changes within the Balobedu Royal Nation.
The Queen’s council announced that the traditional offices at Khetlhakoni would be closed with immediate effect, saying the continuation of operations from the premises had become a source of confusion following the end of the regency.
The council maintained that all administrative authority had reverted to Queen Masalanabo and that parallel structures operating from Khetlhakoni were no longer recognised.
Following discussions between representatives of the Queen and senior Limpopo government officials at Shidila Lodge, an agreement was reached to permanently shut down the offices.
As part of the transition, all royal and traditional affairs will now be handled from temporary offices in Modjadjiskloof and Madumeleng.
The facilities will operate under the supervision of Chief Designate Prince Molate Mokoto while new administrative arrangements are put in place.
The council also warned government officials against engaging with structures it regards as unauthorised, saying such actions could undermine the authority of the reigning Queen.
The decision to close the offices from which the queen’s rival faction operate is likely to spark another legal battle.
Sources close to the council said the closure of the offices and their relocation to Modjadjiskloof and Madumeleng undermine the integrity of the dynasty as Khetlhakong has always been the spiritual settlement of the Balobedu.
