Victory for Modjadji Royal House as Phophi Revokes 13 Dikoma Permits

Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba has revoked 13 initiation school permits that had been issued for Dikoma initiation schools in Bolobedu. This was after an administrative appeal lodged by Prince Lekukela Modjadji.

The decision comes after a challenge was brought against permits that were allegedly issued unlawfully, with Prince Lekukela Modjadji arguing that proper procedures and consultations were not followed before the approvals were granted.

This is according to a statement issued issued by the Modjadji Royal Family and Council, Ronnie Moroatshehla . Moroatshehla said Prince Lekukela Modjadji, the uterine brother of Princess Masalanabo Modjadji, raised several objections to the permits.

Among the concerns cited was the alleged lack of consultation with the recognised Senior Traditional Leader, the Traditional Council and members of the Royal Family before the initiation schools were authorised.

The royal family argued that chieftainship is an institution governed by collective leadership structures and not by a single individual.

The appeal also challenged the legitimacy of an individual allegedly authorised by Princess Masalanabo to oversee the initiation schools. The royal family claimed the individual is not a member of the royal bloodline and was selected solely because he carries the Modjadji surname.

Another issue raised related to the existence of what the family described as the “Maulwe Royal Council”, which they allege is an unlawful parallel structure operating outside the provisions of the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act, Act 3 of 2019.

Prince Lekukela Modjadji further argued that local traditional leaders, known as Indunas, in areas where the initiation schools were intended to operate, were neither consulted nor informed about the plans.

Following consideration of the appeal, Ramathuba officially revoked all 13 permits that had initially been issued by the Limpopo Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (PICC).

The Modjadji Royal Family and Council welcomed the decision, describing it as a victory for lawful governance and cultural integrity within the Balobedu nation.

“The Modjadji Royal Family and Council welcome this lawful decision, which restores cultural integrity and ensures peace within the Balobedu nation,” the statement said