LIMPOPO – The Pretoria High Court has dismissed an urgent application by Prince Lekukela Modjadji to stop initiation schools in the Modjadji area.

The prince’s urgent interdiction argued that there should not be any initiation schools – moroto for boys and dikhopa for girls – because, according to him, Queen Masalanabo Modjadji VII is not the official head of the dynasty.

Queen has the right to approve schools

However, on Tuesday, May 26, the court said the queen – who was officially recognised by President Cyril Ramaphosa in December 2024 – has the right to approve the schools.

In April this year, the queen approved 13 initiation school applications for the winter season.

Background to the dispute

In July last year, Prince Lekukela stopped his sister’s coronation after taking legal action against the process.

He further took the president, the Minister of CoGTA, Velenkosini Hlabisa, Limpopo MEC of CoGTA, Basikopo Makamu, and Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba to court.

In a letter, the prince argued that the recognition was unlawful and in conflict with customary law and pending court proceedings.

He instructed government not to fund the coronation ceremony, which was planned for late last year.

Coronation on hold

The matter against the government is still in court. As a result, there will not be any coronation until the matter is settled.