Rain queen gets the nod as minister officially gives news
The Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Des van Rooyen said government will strive to ensure that Khelobedu language is recognised as one of the indigenous languages in South Africa.
LIMPOPO – Van Rooyen addressed thousands of Balobedu people at Mokwakwaila Stadium outside Modjadjiskloof recently after paying a courtesy visit to the Modjadji Royal House at Khetlhakoni village where he officially delivered news of the recognition of the Modjadji Queenship.
He said the Modjadjis status was degraded to level of a chief by the Apartheid government in 1972.
The minister’s visit to Modjadji Royal House came after the South African government led by President Jacob Zuma took a decision to restore their Queenship status more than a month ago.
According to Van Rooyen, the restoration of the Modjadji Queenship forms part of the seven promises made to the late Queen Mokope Modjadji V by the late President and father of the South African democracy, Nelson Mandela, during his visit to the area in 1994 and 1999.
He explained that the government will build a memorial monument in Bolobedu where the rich history of Balobedu will be preserved so that future generations of this country will be able to learn and understand where they come from.
He condemned political leaders who are in parliament who continue to criticise the ANC-led government for wasting money by supporting traditional leaders.
“People in South Africa have to understand that traditional leaders are custodians of our heritage,” Van Rooyen said.
Speaking on behalf of the Premier, Stanley Mathabatha, the MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (Coghsta), Makoma Makhurupetje said provincial government will continue to work together with the Modjadji Royal House to ensure that everything needed to be done in their Queenship successful.
She said they will make sure that the area is developed like other areas where there are queens and kings.
Meanwhile the Chairperson of the Limpopo House of Traditional Leaders, Kgoshi Malesela Dikgale has congratulated Balobedu on their achievement which has been long overdue.
He called on councillors who will be voted into power, to work together with traditional leaders to show respect for this Queenship.
“Those who continue to disrespect traditional leadership will not be allowed to work in areas of where there are chiefs and indunas.
Van Rooyen was accompanied by his deputy, Obed Bapela, the Chairperson of the National House of Traditional Leaders Kgoshi Maubane, Member of Parliament, Mathole Motshekga, mayors and other dignitaries.
thoko@nmgroup.co.za
