Masalanabo Modjadji VII

This article is about the 7th Rain Queen. For the 2nd Rain Queen with same name, see Masalanabo Modjadji.

Masalanabo Modjadji VII (born 20 January 2005) is the seventh and reigning Rain Queen of the Balobedu tribe. Her title was formally recognised by the South African government in 2024, following a lengthy period of royal dispute and legal challenges.^[1] As Rain Queen, she is believed by her subjects to have special power over rainfall.^[2][3]

Masalanabo II Modjadji VII
Rain Queen of Balobedu
Reign	2023–present
Coronation	August 2025
Predecessor	Makobo Modjadji
Born	(2005-01-20) 20 January 2005 (age 20) Limpopo, South Africa
House	Modjadji
Father	David Mogale
Mother	Rain Queen Makobo Modjadji VI

Early life and education

Masalanabo was born to Queen Makobo Modjadji, who died when Masalanabo was nearly five months old. Her succession to the throne was delayed due to her age and the complex royal disputes that followed her mother's death. Despite being widely expected to ascend as the next Rain Queen, the Modjadji Royal Council, led by her regent and older half-brother Prince Lekukela, contested her recognition, claiming that the proper traditional processes had not been followed. The royal council of Prince Regent Mpapatla also raised objections to her upbringing in Johannesburg under the guidance of former legal advisor Mathole Motshekga and politician Angie Motshekga, accusing them of manipulating the situation for personal gain.^[4] The couple denied the accusations and said that the regent and his council want to claim the crown under false pretenses for Prince Lekukela for their own reasons.^{[citation needed]} In 2023, the Balobedu Royal Council endorsed her accession shortly after she turned 18 in January.^[5]

Masalanabo is the second Rain Queen to receive a formal education, after her mother Makobo. She began her schooling at the age of nine and plays sports. She was the first reigning Rain Queen to pass her matric, and reportedly intends to study social development or law at the university level.^[6]

Reign

In December 2024, Masalanabo's right to the throne was legally recognised by President Cyril Ramaphosa^[7] under the Traditional Khoi-San Leadership Act,^[8] making her the only legally recognised female tribal monarch in South Africa, ranking among powerful tribal kings such as Zulu King Misuzulu Sinqobile kaZwelithini. At the age of 19, she was also the youngest Rain Queen. Her ascension to the throne marks the continuation of the Modjadji queenship legacy. This dynasty has followed a matrilineal primogeniture custom for over 200 years, with leadership passed down through a female-only line, a tradition that continues with Masalanabo's ascension.

Her official coronation was originally scheduled for 12 March 2025,^[8] but was postponed to August to commemorate women's month in South Africa.^[9][10]