by Thinus Ferreira
MultiChoice and M-Net are confident
that the premiere broadcast of the new Balobedu-inspired drama series Queen
Modjadji will go ahead this Sunday on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) and that an
urgent interdict won't be granted today to the Balobedu Royal Council trying to
block it from airing.
UPDATE Tuesday 9 July 2024: 2:50pm: The Gauteng High Court in Pretoria has dismissed Balobedu Royal Council's urgent interdict to prevent MultiChoice and M-Net's Queen Modjadji drama series from starting Sunday on Mzansi Magic.
In a Game of Thrones-like political
skirmish, Rain Queen Masalanabo Modjadi is represented by the Balobedu Royal Council who opposes MultiChoice and
M-Net's making of the series.
Prince Lekukela Modjadji is however represented by
the Modjadji Royal Council and worked with MultiChoice and M-Net to produce the
Queen Modjadji series.
The Balobedu
in-fighting and legal battle has been waging for years following the council's
decision in 2021 to give Prince Lekukela Modjadji the crown to the kingdom
instead of to his sister Princess Masalanabo Modjadji, with this feud which
caused a ripple effect on the making of Queen Modjadi as a fictional TV series.
A broadcaster or
production company is not obliged to consult or even employ researchers for the
creation of a fictional work of art – even if based on, or inspired by
real-life people or events – but MultiChoice, M-Net and Rhythm World Productions did pay for research and
consultation with tribal leaders, academic experts and other stakeholders to
make Queen Modjadji.
Queen Modjadji the
series is inspired by the first legendary Queen Modjadji, whose bloodline ruled
has ruled Southern
Africa’s Lobedu clan for centuries and is produced by Rhythm World Productions.
The drama series stars Makoma Mohale as the title character Maselekwani,
as well as an ensemble cast including Mudi Mudau, Putla Sehlapelo,
Priscilla Raboroko and Moses Raseleke as the royal healer.
The Balobedu Royal Council in Limpopo
has now brought an urgent application for an interdict of the Duma
Ndlovu-produced series and claims that Queen Modjadji as a fictional drama
series will undermine and marginalise the Khelobedu language and Balobedu
people.
Chief Gabriel
Rasebotsa brought an application to the High Court in Pretoria to prevent
MultiChoice and M-Net from airing Queen Modjadji.
"The Balobedu
Royal Council was not consulted and the Queen was not consulted. We have been
undermined by the Apartheid government, " Rasebotsa said to SABC
News.
"The attire to be
displayed in the documentary does not represent the Balobedu attire. The use of
the Ndebele, Zulu and Xhosa attire constitutes a misrepresentation which –
within the cultural context, where unique traditions and symbols are pivotal to
the cultural heritage – constitute and insults me and the people of the
Balobedu Royal Nation."
MultiChoice says
"there is no factual or legal basis for the application. We are
confident that the court will dismiss the case and that viewers will not
be deprived of the opportunity of watching this epic story, inspired by the
Balobedu legendary rainmaker, the first Queen Modjadji".
Advocate Terry Motau SC represents MultiChoice.
Similar to the
roll-out of the first season of Shaka Ilembe also inspired by the legend of
Shaka Zulu and which had a premiere screening and media launch event at Monte
Casino in Johannesburg last year, MultiChoice and M-Net are planning a similar
premiere screening and media event for Thursday evening for the debut of Queen
Modjadji at the same large cinema venue with VIP guests.