Queen Madosini Ndamase has been unanimously elected as the inaugural President of the newly launched South African Queens Forum, a historic body aimed at amplifying the role of women in traditional leadership. The milestone election took place during the Forum’s inaugural gathering held in Pretoria from 27 to 28 March 2025.
She will be deputised by Queen Neo Mopeli, with Queen Nolutho Matanzima serving as Secretary General.
Accepting the position, Queen Ndamase—founder of the Queen Mados Ndamase Foundation, known for its work in rural, women, youth, and cultural development—described the appointment as a significant responsibility. She pledged to serve with “commitment and diligence,” not only on behalf of queens but also representing rural women across the country.
This appointment is not just personal—it is a collective recognition of all women in traditional leadership and the ordinary women in our communities, – she stated.
Queen Ndamase also emphasized that the Forum aims to work collaboratively with the Monarchs’ Forum and the government to ensure inclusivity and greater recognition of women within the traditional leadership space.
The two-day meeting was hosted by Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, who described the initiative as a landmark move to promote social cohesion and drive socio-economic development in traditional communities. Minister Hlabisa first introduced the concept of the Forum during a government-traditional leadership meeting in October 2024.
Among the dignitaries who pledged their support to the Forum was Princess Nonkululeko Mahlangu, recently elected Chairperson of the South African Royal Princesses Network.
The South African Queens Forum is expected to play a key advisory and developmental role in traditional communities, supporting the work of Kings while advancing women’s voices and leadership across cultural institutions.
