Prince Lukukela to succeed Rain Queen Modjadji

Male chosen as king of the Balobedu nation

The Modjadji Royal Council has officially announced the inauguration of Prince Lukukela Modjadji, 24, as the new king of the Balobedu nation.

The outgoing regent, Mpapatla Modjadji, said on Friday the royal council has taken a decision to inaugurate Prince Lukukela at a ceremony to be held in October.

“As you know, the late Rain Queen Makobo Modjadji left behind two children – Prince Lukukela and Princess Masalanabo,16. The royal family and council took a decision to appoint Prince Lukukela as heir to the throne and we are going to inaugurate him as the king of the Balobedu nation,” said regent Modjadji.

The regent said the royal family and council hope the nation will welcome the decision, adding gender equality had been a consideration when nominating Prince Lukukela.

“Masalanabo will be on her brother’s side to support him as a senior female advisor known as Khadi. The date to coronate the new king will be October 1 2021,” said regent

Mpapatla.

The Balobedu are known to be led by Modjadji queens who are famous for their rainmaking custom. The nation has not had a male monarch for 200 years – from the days of Mokoto Modjadji.

Last month Sowetan reported the Royal Council had taken a decision to appoint Prince Lukukela as king to take over at the royal headquarters at Khetlhakoni. Mpapatla Modjadji announced that he would be stepping down from the position he had held for the past 16 years.

The announcement came after Rain Queen-elect Masalanabo Modjadji voluntarily chose to remain under the care of ANC MP Mathole Motshekga. The Royal Council’s secretary, Phethole Mampeule, said the decision was taken after careful consideration.

“We know our culture and custom, and there is nothing wrong with Prince Lukukela becoming a king. Males once ruled this nation before the last king Mokoto appointed his daughter Maselekwane to be the first Rain Queen,” he said.

Mampeule urged commentators to research the history of the Balodzwi before misleading the nation about ending the queenship.

He said the council hadn’t received any objection to their decision.