The Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Dr Zweli Mkhize, today (07 April 2018) joined guests from all over the world to celebrate the the Balobedu Queenship.
Guests who attended the celebration held in Makwakwaila Stadium, Limpopo Province included President Cyril Ramaphosa, former President Jacob Zuma, Premier of Limpopo Province, Stan Mathabatha, traditional leaders, church leaders, other government dignitaries from across the three spheres of government, members of the diplomatic core and community members from villages of Balobedu and those in the neighbouring areas.
In line with the African traditions and cultures, the invited guests, especially government came bearing gifts for the royal family. The day then begun with the visit to the royal palace where gifts were handed to the Modjadji royal family represented by the Regent of the Balobedu Queenship, Bakhoma Mpapatla Modjadji. After the exchange of gifts, attention shifted to Mokwakwaila Stadium where the main celebration of the day took take place. Communities under the leadership of the Balobedu Queenship and those in neighbouring areas braised the scotching heat to witness the historic celebration.
His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa led government and the nation in marking this historic occasion in the calendar of our country.
“Of significance is that, this historical event brought respect to the African cultures, especially of Balobedu and restored their dignity. This celebration of the Balobedu Queenship, speaks to government’s commitment to gender equality and it is the first in the Republic of South Africaâ€, said Minister Mkhize. Speakers congratulated the Balobedu people and recognised that this event was taking place in a month when South Africa is celebrating its freedom. This month remembers the immense contribution made by stalwarts like Mama Winnie Mandela and many who sacrificed their lives for the greater good of freedom. The Balobedu are celebrating the restoration of their dignity at the time when all South Africans are also celebrating the restoration of their own dignity brought by freedom and democracy.
“In this regard, the recognition of the Queenship in the country demonstrates commitment to the principle and value of gender equality, and the recognition of the leadership role that women play in our country in many spheres of life. This is truly historic and is a key milestone in the democratic South Africaâ€, said Minister Mkhize.
Since the beginning of democracy, government pursued the objective of restoring dignity of many South African whose cultural and traditional rights violated by the apartheid regime. These violations included many traditional leaders who were stripped of their birth right to lead their people. The Balobedu were some of those who were affected when in 1972 the then Rain Queen Makoma Modjadji was stripped of her powers and 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.
It is within this context that the celebration of Balobedu is an important milestone in the journey of our democracy. 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).
“This important occasion does not only enable us to celebrate the Queenship. It also provides an opportunity for government to engage and interface with traditional communities and their leadership in the spirit of Thuma Mina, as we embrace the new dawn announced by the President. The declaration of the Queenship cements the new spirit of moving forward and working together to build the South Africa we dream about, which is free of poverty, unemployment and inequalityâ€, said Minister Mkhize.
He said traditional leaders have an important role to play in building the South Africa envisaged, hence government’s commitment to give effect to the provisions of Chapter 12 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, especially the restoration of the dignity of the institution of traditional leadership in a constitutional democracy and to provide for its roles and powers.
The Minister indicated that the institution of traditional leadership is also critical in the quest for a better society and in building a South Africa free of poverty, inequality and unemployment, and in particular for rural development.
The President in his address, emphasised that the institution of Traditional leadership forms part of our national identity and social cohesion and that millions of South Africans identify with traditional leaders as they are symbols of unity in the respective communities. In South Africa, traditional leaders are an integral part of the country’s governance structures.
“We will continue to engage with traditional leaders to discuss issues requiring our attention to ensure that this institution functions as envisaged by our constitutionâ€, concluded Minister Mkhize.
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Issued by the Ministry of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs