Minister Zweli Mkhize attends Balobedu Queenship in Limpopo, 7 Apr

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Dr Zweli Mkhize will be visiting Limpopo Province from 6 – 8 April 2018.

Minister Mkhize will join the Modjadji Royal Family, government leaders, guests from both home and abroad and the Balobedu community for a celebration to recognise Balodedu Queenship Status tomorrow on 7 April 2018.

Since the beginning of democracy, government had a mandate to restore kingships and Queenships in line with various cultures and traditions. The recognition of Balobedu Queenship follows the events that unfolded in 1972 when the apartheid regime stripped the then Rain Queen Makoma Modjadji of her powers, thus reducing her title to that of chieftainness.

Villages and indunas under her jurisdiction were incorporated into the Lebowa and Gazankulu homelands, thus destroying the rich cultures and the lineage of the queen dating back over 400 years.

Based on the request that was submitted by the Balobedu to government, requesting recognition of their Kingdom, the Kgatla commission concluded to restore the dignity the Balobedu people. This led to the leading to the official recognition of Balobedu Queenship on 31 March 2016. This landmark decision to recognise the Queenship of Balobedu was done in terms of section 2A (3) (a) of the Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Act, 2003 (Act No. 41 of 2003).

The events will take place as follows:
Date: 7 April 2018
Time: 9h00
Venue: Mokwakwaila Stadium (Tzaneen Limpopo)

Visit to King Toni Mphephu Ramabulana

After the Balobedu Queenship event, Minister Zweli Mkhize will travel to Venda to meet with His Majesty King Toni Peter Mphephu Ramabulana  at the King’s Palace in Dzanani, Nzhelele.

The courtesy visit of Minister to the King is part of his programme of meeting traditional leaders around the country.

The meeting will take place as follows:
Date: 8 April 2018
Time: 11h00
Venue: Venda - King’s Palace in Dzanani, Nzhelele

Media RSVPs can be directed to: Ms Modiegi Madiga on 082 822 5878 - ModiegiM@cogta.gov.za

Enquiries:
Legadima Leso
Cell: 083 378 9495