Vhavenda Kingship Battle Back in High Court

A new chapter in the long-running Vhavenda kingship dispute unfolded at the Limpopo High Court in Polokwane, where Princess Masindi Clementine Mphephu continues her fight to be recognized as the rightful heir to the Vhavenda throne.

Former Vhavenda King Prince Toni Mphephu Ramabulana took the stand on Thursday as the courtroom buzzed with energy and tension. Supporters from both royal factions packed the public gallery, reflecting the significance of the outcome for the community.

Princess Masindi’s legal team argued that her exclusion from the kingship due to her gender amounted to unlawful discrimination and a violation of her constitutional rights. Her lawyers referenced the landmark 2019 Supreme Court of Appeal ruling, which declared the prior recognition of Prince Ramabulana as king unlawful due to procedural flaws and a failure to consider other eligible candidates—including Masindi herself.

The State, which had previously backed Prince Ramabulana’s kingship, remained neutral during Thursday’s proceedings. Prince Ramabulana’s legal counsel maintained that the royal council had followed proper customary protocols, and urged the court to respect traditional processes without imposing external legal interpretations.

Tensions flared outside the court, where members of the public voiced competing views.
“We stand with Masindi—our Constitution guarantees equality for all, including women,” said one supporter. In contrast, another declared, “Our traditions don’t recognize female rulers. That’s just how it is.”

The hearing concluded with the judge requesting additional written submissions from both sides. A ruling is expected in the coming months.

As the legal saga continues, the case is seen as a critical test of how traditional leadership succession will be interpreted under South Africa’s constitutional democracy. The eventual outcome may set a national precedent for balancing age-old customs with modern principles of gender equality and justice.