Johannesburg – The drama series Queen Modjadji planned to be televised later this month, has not been approved by the Balobedu Royal Nation, the Balobedu Royal Council said.
Commenting on the matter, Secretary-General of the Balobedu Royal Council, Gabriel Rasebotsa, said the drama series has also not been consented to by Her Majesty, Rain Queen Masalanabo Modjadji VII.
“There was no consultation with either the Balobedu Royal Nation or Her Majesty by Multichoice or the producer, Duma Ka Ndlovu,” Rasebotsa said in a statement on Sunday.
He said Multichoice planned to air the drama series on July 14.
Rasebotsa said Modjadji came of age on 20 January 2023 and was the rightful heir to the throne,
Her ascension was affirmed by President Cyril Ramaphosa and his predecessor in 2016 during the ceremony marking the restoration of the Balobedu Nations Queenship at Mokwakwaila stadium in Bolobedu, Limpopo.
It was confirmed that she would assume her throne as per tradition, custom, and by operation of law upon reaching the age of maturity.
“In alignment with this, she has established her own structure, along with the legitimate members of the royal family, to advise and manage her affairs until her coronation, at which point the Queen’s Council will be formally established,” Rasebotsa said.
“Her Majesty has a moral, spiritual, and traditional duty to protect and preserve her people, customs, and traditions.
“She cannot stand by when her history is distorted and misrepresented, either by spoken language or by ‘misnarration’ for commercial reasons.
Rasebotsa said that Queen Modjadji cannot be ignored or disregarded in matters concerning her nation and her people.
“The portrayal of Balobedu heritage and the role of Rain Queens in the drama series Queen Modjadji raises concerns within the Balobedu Royal Nation,” Rasebotsa said.
“It is crucial that any representation of our cultural heritage is accurate, respectful, and involves thorough consultation and consent from the Balobedu Royal Council and recognition of Her Majesty, Rain Queen Masalanabo Modjadji.”
Rasebotsa said the Balobedu people have awaited the rightful leadership of Her Majesty, the Rain Queen, who embodies the continuity of cultural legacy.
“It is essential that Her Majesty is recognised and allowed to lead the Balobedu Royal Nation with dignity and respect.”
Rasebotsa said the royal council was urging all stakeholders, including Multichoice and the producers of Queen Modjadji, to engage in meaningful dialogue with the Balobedu Royal Council and Her Majesty, Rain Queen Masalanabo Modjadji VII.
He said such dialogue would ensure that any depiction of Balobedu heritage was done with sensitivity, authenticity, and acknowledgment of the profound role of Rain Queens in the community.
Multichoice and the producers of Queen Modjadji have not yet made public comments regarding consent about the drama series.
