African Royalties

One of this week's Monday crushes is His Majesty King Mositi Tsolo Lekokoto III, King of the Royal Bakoena Ba Tsolo Clan in South Africa.

Born Clement Magcai on June 21st 1975, in Johannesburg, South Africa to and descends from a long and great paternal lineage of royal ancestors & kings which includes the last kings HM King Lekokoto II, his oldest ruling son HM King Khiba II and his younger brother HRH Prince Mofolo.

Although the kingship was dormant and kingdom going underground, both his grandfather and father in their rightful place as heads of clans handle the issues until a new ruler was set to revive the kingship.

As first born son, His Majesty re-took and revived the kingship titles from his father around June 2015. In his words to me the king said "Our kingship is not new, it is but a resurrection of something ancient."

Reviving and reuniting the clan and its members that had been dispersed since the 19th century following the great war that killed the his 2nd and 3rd times great grand fathers and last kings that left the kingship dormant as been one of his goals since taking over.

Personal life: King Lekokoto III is a single man
A little history:

Like in many African monarchies and their histories, Our Royal ancestors used wars as a way to not just survive but to extend their kingdom's territories, resources and land which in most times led to the killing of the opposing kingdom's kings and entire families.

In the early 19th centuries, the Battle of Zastron(The Battle was one of the three wars fought by the Basotho people living in the area) took place where the Bakoena Ba Tsolo were at war with the Amahlubi kingdom to take over the Bakoena Ba Tsolo's land and areas of royal jurisdiction.

During the war, the last kings HM King Lekokoto II(also known as King Tsolo or Molibeli (Modibedi), his oldest ruling son HM King Khiba II and his younger brother HRH Prince Mofolo were brutally killed in the in battle in the Herschel District of the town of Sterkspruit, Zastron area of the Eastern Cape Province.

Following the deaths of the kings, the tribe became week leaving road for Lifaqane to take place occured. Lifaqane (in Sesotho or Mfecane in isiZulu) now recognised as the period of mass crushing, scattering, forced dispersal, forced migration was a period of widespread chaos and warfare among indigenous ethnic communities in southern Africa during the period between 1815 and about 1840.

This lead to the break up and formation of other clans now formally recognised

Another one of my Monday Crushes is His Majesty Kgosi Leruo Tsehekedi Molotlegi of the Royal Bafokeng Nation in South Africa

His Majesty was born in 1968 to His Majesty the late Kgosi Lebone I and Her Majesty Queen Mother Semelane Molotlegi. He is the third born of five kids with HM the late Kgosi Lebone II(born HRH Prince Mollwane) and HRH the late Prince Fosi Boemo Matale as senior siblings and Their Royal Highnesses Princess Motswana, Prince Bothata and Prince Mollwane as younger siblings.

Through his mother The Queen Mother, he is also a member of the Khama royal family of the Bamangwato people in Botswana, as his grandfather the Queen Mother's father Chief Tshekedi Khama was regent during the reign and exile of his nephew Sir Seretse Khama I(first president of Botswana and father to the 4th president of Ian Khama).

Photo rights: American Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa

He did and graduated from his secondary education at Hilton College in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. He holds a university degree in Architecture and Urban Planning from University of KwaZulu Natal and is also an alumnus of the North-West University in North-West province.

He is a keen sportsman and was awarded a Victor Ludorum Gold Medallion at Hilton. He is a fixed wing and rotorcraft pilot and has been appointed as an Honorary Colonel in the South African Air Force.

His Majesty became the 36th Kgosi and 15th member of the current dynasty in 2003 following the death of his father in 1995 and brother in 2000. His other brother Prince Fosi died in 1999. Following his brother's passing away in 2000, he was made regent.

For the ladies His Majesty is still single

Under his reign, he has created a sovereign fund(Royal Bafokeng Nation Holding) out of the royalties paid from the platinum mines found in the nation. Back in 1925, the world's largest deposits of platinum and other minerals were discovered on the nation's land. For every mining companies doing business in the nation, they pay royalties to the nation in exchange for the right to mine these metals.

The Holding(RBNH) entity is responsible for overseeing the growth and maintenance of the community’s income streams. Back in the 2010, His Majesty open the Holdings and its income to not just the royal family's benefits but to that of the entire Bafokeng nation.

This model has been considered to be Africa's most progressive community investment model and Africa's richest tribe, with total assets under management at about $6 billion.

Through the Holding, His Majesty has invested in various sectors and he himself recognises that the minerals which has bless the nation could run out and it was his father's, brother and his wish to make the RBN self sufficient socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable community true to its African heritage and traditions.

Amongst the many thing he has done through the Holding, was built the Royal Bafokeng Nation sports which oversees the sports sectors including building the stadium back in 2000 which hosted games during the FIFA 2010 World Cup South Africa. There is also the Royal Bafokeng Institute (RBI), whose goal is to oversee improvements in the education and learning sector by building the Lebone II - College of the Royal Bafokeng

His Majesty Kgosi Leruo Tshekedi Molotlegi was received by Lebanese ambassador to South Africa, His Excellency Kabalan Frangieh at the Embassy in Pretoria on July 4th 2019.

During the visit, His Majesty expressed his desire to deepen the relations between the Royal Bafokeng Nation and Lebanon for the benefit of both people. It is said that during the bilateral talks, His Excellency was impressed by His Majesty's interests in the Middle East and Lebanon

A happy belated birthday to the royal twins Their Royal Highnesses Nkosazana(Senior Princess) Nonhlanhla Hannah Mandela, HRH Prince Mntanenkosi Rolihlahla Hakeem Mandela of the Royal House of Mandela (RHoM) & Mvezo Traditional Council.

Born to Their Royal Highness Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandla Mandela and Nkhosikazi Raabia Mandela, they celebrated their 1st birthday on November 30th. They have an elder brother HRH Lil' Mandela.

The AmaXhosa nation is sad to announce to the death of His Majesty Mpendulo(King) Zwelonke Sigcawu at 51 years on Thursday November 14th.

Photo Credit: Sowetanlive

According to the late king's uncle Nkosi Xhanti Sigcawu reported to Timeslive that he died during the early hours of Thursday after being rushed to the hospital by ambulance on Wednesday evening in Mthatha.

His Majesty has been king of the AmaXhosa since January 2006 following the death of his father King Xolilzwe Sigcawu of amaGcaleka in 2005. He was sworn in Nqadu Great Palace in the Eastern Cape in 2015 after being declared the official king of the AmaXhosa in 2010 by former South African President Jacob Zuma

Wherever you are, be the change agent you want to see in ending child marriage and FGM/C - HRH (ALH) Dr. Haliru Ndanusa Yahaya, Emir of Shonga, Nigeria#GenerationEqualityAfrica #Beijing25 pic.twitter.com/4TqSfkK5pi

— UN Women Africa (@unwomenafrica) October 30, 2019

Her Royal Highness Princess Mbali Mahlangu of Ndunduza-Ndebele Kingdom posed as an art muse for Lionel Smit.

Princess Mbali (R) and Lionel

Lionel Smit is a South African painter and sculptor based in Cape Town who best known for his contemporary portraiture, executed through monumental canvases and sculptures.

Her Royal Highness who is the daughter of the late HM King Mayitjha lll and HM Kosikazi Gabisile is an entrepreneur, speaker and Vlogger. Her brother HM Ingwenyama MABHOKO III is the current king.

If you live, visiting or transiting in Berlin, Germany there is a new wonderful exhibit you can stop.  Mandela: The Official Exhibition which is hosted at Bikini Berlin is officially opening today October 18th from 7pm to 11:30pm(German time).

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Opening of Mandela: Official Exhibition @bikiniberlin We would be failing the life and legacy of President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela if this was just another exhibition to be visited and forgotten until the next one comes along. On the contrary this exhibition is a call to action and to honour the values and lifelong mission of one who sacrificed nearly three decades of his life in incarceration for freedom, justice, peace and prosperity for all. This exhibition is a call to action and to reignite the work of international solidarity that Berlin and this part of the world was once renowned for.

A post shared by Nkosi Zwelivelile 🕋 (@nkosizwelivelile) on Oct 18, 2019 at 6:51am PDT

The exhibition which is a curation of Madiba's important, relevant and meaningful exposes is a collaboration between the Royal House of Mandela through the leader HRH Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela and the A.C.T Artist Agency GmBH Cooperation with DEAG arts + exhibitions.

His Royal Highness will be delivering the opening words "Words of Support". He is accompanied by HRH Nkosikazi Raabia

The North-West University(NWU) in South Africa hosted a prestigious event where they paid tribute to their out-going chancellor His Majesty Kgosi Leruo Molotlegi of Royal Bafokeng Nation on September 25th 2019 at the Emerald Hotel in Vanderbijlpark.

According to a press release from the University, the management held a celebration and dinner to acknowledge Kgosi's involvement, guidance and support given to the institution during his 10 years term.

Throughout the event, various speeches were given from several members of the NWU's high-level management where they praise His Majesty for his leadership and forward thing.

In his address to all His Majesty spoke about his university years at NWU to taking up the Chancellorship and then the leadership of Bafokeng Nation. He then spoke about the collaborations and transformations that has taken place under his leadership. 

His Highness Inkosi Lugedlane II accompanied Her Royal Highness Inkhosikati LaShongwe of Lugedlane, and members of the Lugedlane tribal council welcome guests and other members of the royal families from around Mpumalanga and South Africa to Inkosi Mbhunu Stadium on September 21st 2019.

His Highness Inkosi Lugedlane II accompanied Her Royal Highness Inkhosikati LaShongwe of Lugedlane

His Highness arrived in head gear with His Majesty Inkosi Hhoyi II of BakaNgomane and many other Mpumalanga traditional council

Mpumalanga's youngest chief gave the opening speech where he spoke about his plans to decrease unemployment amongst the youth. His Highness made a promise to create jobs by helping with the establishment and training of young entrepreneurs with the creation of businesses.

HRH Inkhosikati LaShongwe of Lugedlane together with her mother in law, His Highness' mother HRH Queen Mother(Indovulakzi) Ladladkude gave a speech as well as TRH Inkhosikati laShongwe of Hhoyi, Inkhosikati laMdluli of Hhoyi.

The one day event brought a display of various cultures in the tribal council with a beautiful tribute from TRH Inkhosikati LaShongwe of Lugedlane, Inkhosikati laShongwe of Hhoyi, Inkhosikati laMdluli of Hhoyi.

During an early briefing of the Hhoyi tribal council ummemo before the official start of Ummemo on Saturday October 12th, at the in KaHhoyi village in Mpumalanga, a marriage proposal was made to a member of the Ngomane Royal Family.

According to the Sowetan Live, Her Royal Highness Princess Palesa Ngomane of the Ngomane royal family was proposed to by Obed Bapela in the presence of her elder brother His Majesty Inkhosi Sandile Hhoyi II Ngomane, head of the BakaNgomane royal family and leader of the traditional council of Mpumalanga province.

Her Royal Highness who was attending Ummemo at the family's ground works for the Gauteng government and Obed Bapela who is the South African Deputy minister of cooperative governance and traditional affairs met a year ago in Johannesburg after the death of his wife Constance almost two years ago.

According to the media, Obed Bapela who is a widower and father of 3 is said to have asked permission and also informed his children and late wife's family of his intentions to remarry.

He also continue by saying that lobola(dowry) negotiations will begin in November with formal celebrations being held in May 2020.

Inkosi Hhoyi II is said to be happy of welcoming a new member and was quite surprised and shocked of the proposal as everyone was busy in the Ummemo preparations and making sure that everything goes well

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Council 6

A post shared by hrhPrincessGugulethuMchunu (@hrhprincessgugulethumchunu) on Oct 5, 2019 at 12:16pm PDT

A new High Commissioner from the Republic of South Africa was appointed and was accredited to the Republic of Malawi on October 11th.

His Royal Highness, His Excellency Prince Ahlangene Cyprian Sigcawu was receiving at the Presidential Palace Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe by Malawian President Professor Mutharika were he gave his accreditation as the new incoming High Commissioner and representative of the Republic of South Africa to Malawi.

His Excellency was the previous South African Ambassador to the Republic of Ireland from 2014-2019.

He is the son of the late His Royal Highness Inkosi Xolilizwe Mzikayise Sigcawu 11th paramount chief of the AmaGcaleka sub-group of the Xhosa people and his first wife HRH Queen Nogaweni. He is the younger brother of His Royal Highness Inkosi Enkhulu Zwelelonke Mpendulo Sigcawu, 10th Paramount Chief of the amaGcaleka

Umhlanga didn't just take place in the Kingdom of Eswatini but also in Zulu Kingdom in the Republic of South Africa. In Zulu Kingdom it is known as Umkhosi Womhlanga

From September 6th-8th, maiden regiments as well warriors departed for KwaZulu Natal for the annual Womhlanga Reed Dance where they were too showcase their dances infront of their king His Majesty King Goodwill Zwelithini hosted at his eNyokeni palace in KwaNongoma.

Before his speech, his prime minister, former leader of IFP and cousin His Royal Highness Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi of the Buthelezi clan gave a speech. His Royal Highness spoke highly against the increase in gender, domestic and infanticide violence which has been plaguing the entire country.

He urged all especially men to do better and protect the women and children

During his address to the maidens and guests, His Majesty spoke about the Xenophobic attacks which have been occurring across the nation saying that he had received numerous calls asking for his comment on the violent Xenophobic attacks against foreigners in recent weeks.

He also spoke about rearranging and holding meetings with all involve including government officials on his return to Johannesburg.

He also called for unity and for his people to be cautious of the divide and conquer tactics that were used by colonizers.

Following his speech, the maiden presented their reeds and the festivities began. Various regiments from across Zulu land dance. They were led by their leaders as well as the royal princesses His Majesty's daughters.

The Queen Consorts also joined the regiments from time to time.

Our royals in the Southern African region of the continent are coming either together of individually to meet with the public on various topics, cultural events and celebrations.

On Friday August 16th, the Hhoyi traditional council will be hosting the Hhoyi Expo 2019 from 10 am to 4 pm. The expo is a result of a partnership between The Royal BakaNgomane foundation, its patron HRH Inkhosikati LaMdluli and Inkomati Usuthu Catchment Management Agency. This came as a result of identifying a problem where learners in the kingdom are unable to further their studies due to poverty, unemployment, lack of funding and the unavailability of resources such as a library with limited access to the internet. Due to geographic isolation access to Institutions of higher learning discourages most of our learners from attempting enrollment. Her Royal Highness Princess Shenge Buthelezi of the Royal Buthelezi clan also joined in partnership with the expo. Princess Shenge will be able to offer qualifying students participating at the Hhoyi Career Expo 2019 to apply for financial assistance, a bursary in the field of Agriculture.

On Saturday August 17th, former South African First lady Tobeka Madiba Zuma will be hosting a luncheon for women and girl children at the Durban Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre Complex. Invited guest of honor will be HRH Inkhosikati LaMbikiza of the Kingdom of Eswatini. With Theme Dress UP and Show UP, ticket price South African R495 and time 11h00 South African time.

On Saturday August 17th, HRH Kgosikagi Boitumelo Maila Mogane of Kgarudi Tribe will be hosting a 2nd annual depression awareness campaign at the Mpumalanga College of Nursing. Queen Maila is the founding patron of Depression South Africa. This year's theme is MALES YOU MATTER.

On Saturday Sept 14th, the Mpondo Royal Families will be coming together to celebrate the Mpondo culture and heritage festival. The event will be hosted in Lwandlolubomvu Great Place at Matshona village

Royal Families in Mpumalanga province of South Africa came together on July 31st at the Legislative Assembly for the opening of the 5th Provincial House of Traditional leaders under the Premier of Mpumalanga Madam R M Mtshweni Tsipane led by His Highness Inkhosi Hhoyi II of Royal BakaNgomane who is the Provincial Chairperson Mpumalanga Province House of Traditional Leaders (MPHTL).

Over 50 traditional royal families attended the address. Here are a few whom I was inform attended: HRH Indlovukazi Ndzundza Mbhoko represented the Kingdom of Ndebele Tribe
Royal BakaMawewe
Royal BakaNgomane
HRH Queen Mogane of Kgarudi Tribe
HRH Queen Mahlangu of Ndzundza Pungutjha

His Highness Inkosi Hhoyi accompanied by Her Royal Highness Inkhosikati LaMduli attended the 2019 edition of Mpumalanga Sports Awards last night at  Emnotweni Arena.

Great Wife or senior wife for(West African kingdoms) is the honorific title applied to royal and aristocratic born consorts in kingdoms and states throughout the continent.

Historically great wives have played a great role in ruling alongside her husband(king, emperor or pharoah), were in charge of their husband's harem, and served a variety of priestly functions.

We will begin with a few great wives from kingdoms I have written about here on the blog. As the writings grow, I will be including a few others post.

1) Her Royal Highness Giwan DanMaje Sadiya Sanusi of The Kano Emirate, in Nigeria.  You can read more about her by click the link above.

2) Her Royal Highness Queen Tandiwe of Western Mpondo was born as Princess Jessica Tandiwe Zulu the daughter of HM King Solomon Zulu of the Zulu Kingdom. In 1943, she became the first wife of Inkosi Enkhulu Tutor Nyangelizwe Vulindlela Ndamase, the 5th Paramount Chief of Western Pondoland with whom they have 3 children.

3) HRH Princess Magogo Zulu of the Zulu Kingdom. Daughter to HM King Dinuzulu kaCetshwayo, sister to HM King Solomon Zulu. In 1926, she married HRH Chief Mathole Buthelezi, Chief of the Buthelezi Clan.

4) HRH Princess Feziwe Ndamase or Queen Nondwe of the Xhosa of Western Pondoland. She was the daughter of Inkosi Enkhulu Tutor Nyangelizwe Vulindlela Ndamase, the 5th Paramount Chief of Western Pondoland and Queen Tandiwe. In July 5th 1979, she married Inkosi Enkhulu Xolilizwe Mzikayise Sigcawu, 9th Paramount Chief of the Gcaleka tribe.

5) HRH Queen Mother Bhongolethu Dlamini of Western Pondoland. She is the granddaughter of His Majesty King Sobhuza II of Eswatini(Swaziland) through his son HRH Prince Makhungu Dlamini. She was married to chief Makaziwe Ndamase of Western Pondoland, who was the first son of nkosi Enkhulu Tutor Nyangelizwe Vulindlela Ndamase, the 5th Paramount Chief of Western Pondoland and Queen Tandiwe. She became regent following the death of her husband. Her son HM King Ndamase Ndamase is the current 6th Paramount chief.

6) HM Queen Mother Lombekiso Dlamini of Eastern Pondoland. She is daughter of HRH Prince Makhungu Dlamini (son of HM King Sobhuza II of Swaziland). She is also the sister to the current Queen Mother of Western Pondoland. She was married to HM the late King Justice Mpondombini Thandizulu Sigcau, Paramount Chief of Eastern Pondoland. Following the death of her husband she became Regent.

7) HM Queen Mantfombi Dlamini-Zulu of the Zulu Kingdom: She is the daughter of HM the late King Sobhuza II of Swaziland. She is married to His Majesty King Goodwill  Zwelithwi of the Zulu Kingdom and is the 1st wife

To be continued