Queen Madosini Ndamase elected as the inaugural President of the South African Queens Council
By Stella Sigcau
31 March 2025
Queen Madosini Ndamase was unanimously elected as the first President of the newly established South African Queens Forum at the inaugural meeting that took place on 27-28 March 2025 in Pretoria. She is deputised by Queen Neo Mopeli and elected as Secretary General is Queen Nolutho Matanzima.
In accepting this position Queen Ndamase who is a philanthropist having founded the Queen Mados Ndamase Foundation that focuses on rural, women, youth and cultural development, articulated that the appointment was a responsibility which they pledged to undertake with commitment and diligence as they represented all other women in Traditional leadership as well ordinary rural women on the ground.
She narrated that the appointment represented a recognition of Women in Traditional Leadership and that the Forum was committed in working hand in hand with the Monarch’s Forum constituted of their husbands the Kings and the State at large to ensure recognition and inclusivity of women in Traditional leadership.
Various stakeholders congratulated Queen Ndamase pledging their support and commitment to working with the Forum, including Princess Nonkululeko Mahlangu, the newly elected Chairperson of the South African Royal Princesses Network.
The two day meeting was hosted by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Mr. Velenkosini Hlabisa.
Minister Hlabisa explained that the Forum was a landmark initiative designed to enhance the role of Queens in promoting social cohesion, leading special projects, and driving socio-economic development within traditional communities.
The Forum was first announced by Minister Hlabisa on 27 October 2024 during a government and traditional leadership meeting in Pretoria, and provides a platform for Queens to support Their Majesties the Kings in their customary duties and serve as trusted advisors on key matters impacting their communities.
This initiative by Minister Hlabisa recognizes the Queens’ roles and leadership in advancing the well-being and development of traditional communities.