King Ndamase Ndlovuyezwe Ndamase of Western Mpondoland (AmaMpondo AseNyandeni) has been elected as chair of the Forum of South Africa’s Majesties. He succeeds the late King Makhosoke II Mabena of AmaNdebele, who died in June aged 65. Ndamase, 43, had served as deputy chair since the forum was established in October 2024 and acted as chair after Mabena’s death. His election marks a significant milestone for the institution of traditional leadership.
Ndamase's wife, Queen MaDosini Tina Ndamase, 42, was elected inaugural chair of the South African Queens Council in March 2025. The couple has been married since September 2011, after dating since 2009. Their election to lead the two parallel national royal forums makes them the first husband-and-wife royal team in South Africa to achieve the distinction. Both will serve five-year terms.
The AmaMpondo aseNyandeni royal household is celebrating the double triumph. Ndamase’s appointment followed a high-level meeting in Pretoria between the forum and co-operative governance and traditional affairs minister Velenkosini Hlabisa. The election took place amid tensions, with AbaThembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo reportedly seeking to position himself as chair after Mabena’s death.
The move reportedly unsettled several royal houses, which insisted the position be filled through a formal collective voting process. Dalindyebo and AmaZulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini did not attend the meeting. In a video circulating on social media, Dalindyebo took a swipe at Hlabisa, accusing him of undermining royalty.
Queen Masalanabo Modjadji VII, the Rain Queen of the Balobedu in Limpopo, was elected deputy chair of the forum, succeeding Ndamase. At 21, Queen Modjadji VII is one of South Africa’s youngest monarchs, ascending to the throne in 2023 when she turned 18. Her right to the throne was legally recognised by President Cyril Ramaphosa in December 2024.
Hlabisa said her appointment “marks a significant and progressive milestone for the institution of traditional leadership, recognising the growing role and influence of women, particularly young women, within traditional governance structures”. He said it also reflected “the institution’s commitment to inclusivity, renewal and intergenerational leadership”.
Ndamase ascended to the throne in April 2008 at the age of 24 and was coronated on October 3 2018. He succeeded his mother, Queen Fikelephi Bongolethu Ndamase, who died on June 8 2018, after serving as regent for 11 years. Royal spokesperson Nkosi Zwelicacile Bongani Ndamase said the appointment recognised the king’s leadership, wisdom, dedication and commitment to traditional leadership.
Key points
- The Eastern Cape royal couple's election marks a significant milestone for the institution of traditional leadership.
- The couple's achievement makes them the first husband-and-wife royal team in South Africa to chair national royal governance structures.
- The appointments reflect the institution's commitment to inclusivity, renewal and intergenerational leadership.
