LIMPOPO – The long-anticipated coronation of Queen Masalanabo Modjadji VII has been officially cancelled, following a series of legal and traditional challenges.

The event, originally scheduled for September, has been put on hold, said the secretary-general of the Balobedu Royal Council, Gabriel Rasebotsa.

In preparation for the coronation, the royal council had suspended all initiation schools in the Modjadji area this year, an unusual move by Balobedu tradition, which prohibits initiation schools during a coronation period. The queen, who had paused her academic studies to focus on her royal duties, had been eagerly awaiting her official installation.

Queen Masalanabo was formally recognised by President Cyril Ramaphosa as the monarch of the Modjadji kingdom on December 13 last year. However, her brother has since contested the decision, arguing that the appointment defied customary law and ongoing legal challenges.

In response, he and members of the Modjadji Royal Family and Council wrote to Ramaphosa, Minister of Traditional Affairs Velenkosini Hlabisa, Limpopo MEC for Traditional Affairs Basikopo Makamu, and Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba, demanding an end to any support or funding of the coronation.

“The President’s recognition of Princess Masalanabo was issued in defiance of pending legal challenges, customary law, and the explicit authority of the Modjadji Royal Council. It is null and void,” the letter states. “We hold President Ramaphosa, Premier Ramathuba, MEC Makamu, and all state organs accountable for enabling this charade. Their suspension of support is an admission of reckless haste. We demand the permanent cancellation of state-funded coronation plans and full disclosure of all engagements between state officials and Dr Motshekga.” Dr Mathole Motshekga is the former guardian of Queen Masalanabo before she turned 18.

The prince maintains that the decision on royal succession rests solely with the Modjadji Royal Council, not with political leaders.

In response to the ongoing dispute, state attorney Nangamso Qongqo informed the prince in writing that government funding for the coronation would be suspended pending the outcome of the legal process. This prompted the Balobedu Royal Council to also pause their plans and await further developments.

“Our hope is for Queen Masalanabo to be crowned in the presence of her family, and for all of this to be resolved peacefully,” Rasebotsa told the Herald.