| Masalanabo II Modjadji VII | |
|---|---|
| Rain Queen of Balobedu | |
| Reign | 20 January 2023 - present |
| Coronation | 12 March 2025 |
| Predecessor | Prince Mpapatla (as Prince Regent) |
| Born | 20 January 2005 Limpopo, South Africa |
| House | Modjadji |
| Father | David Mogale |
| Mother | Rain Queen Makobo Modjadji VI |
Masalanabo Modjadji VII (b. 20 January 2005) is the reigning and seventh in a line of the Balobedu tribe's Rain Queens. She was formally recognized as the queen by the South African government in 2023, following a lengthy period of royal dispute and legal challenges. [1] Her official coronation is scheduled for March 12, 2025. [2] Her coronation date might be postponed until August 2025 to commemorate women's month in South Africa. [3]
Masalanabo is the daughter of the late Queen Makobo Modjadji VI, who passed away in 2005, making Masalanabo just an infant at the time of her mother’s death. Her succession to the throne was delayed due to her age and the complex royal disputes that followed her mother’s passing. Despite being widely expected to ascend as the next Rain Queen, the Modjadji Royal Council, lead by her regent and older half-brother Prince Lekukela, contested her recognition, claiming that the proper traditional processes had not been followed. The royal concil of Prince Regent Mpapatla, also raised objections to her upbringing in Johannesburg under the guidance of former legal advisor Mathole Motshekga and politician Angie Motshekga, accusing them of manipulating the situation for personal gain. [4] The couple have since denied the accusations and say that the regent and his council want to claim the crown under false pretenses for Prince Lekukela for their own reasons.
In 2023, at the age of 18, Masalanabo’s right to the throne was legally confirmed by President Cyril Ramaphosa [5] under the Traditional Khoi-San Leadership Act, [2] making her the only legally recognized female tribal monarch in South Africa, therefore, she ranks amongst powerful tribal kings in the country e.g. Zulu King Misuzulu Sinqobile kaZwelithini. Her ascension to the throne marks the continuation of the Modjadji queenship legacy. This dynasty has followed a matrilineal primogeniture custom for over 200 years, with leadership passed down through a female only line, a tradition that continues with Masalanabo's ascension. She is believed to have special power over rainfall by her subjects. [6] [7]
Masalanabo Modjadji VII is the second Rain Queen, after her mother Makobo, to receive a formal education and the youngest ever to ascend to the throne. [8]