On 8 March 2025, coinciding with International Women’s Day, South African Princesses from various regions gathered to officially launch the South African Royal Princesses Network and elect new leadership. This historic initiative marks the establishment of the first organization in South Africa
exclusively dedicated to Princesses, recognizing their roles in nation-building, social cohesion, the fight against gender-based violence (GBV), and contributions to rural development and gender empowerment.
Founded in 2019 by Princess Stella Sigcau II of the Mpondo Kingdom in the Eastern Cape, the Network has now appointed her as its Honorary President. While her role remains honorary, the Network will be governed by an elected leadership forming the Executive Council of Princesses.
Newly Elected Leadership
The leadership of the South African Royal Princesses Network is as follows:
- Chairperson: Princess Nonkululeko Mahlangu (amaNdzundza Kingdom)
- Deputy Chairperson: Princess Boiketlo Matsepo (Taung Chieftaincy)
- Vice Deputy President: Princess Nomfundo Zibi (Hlubi Kingdom)
- Secretary-General: Princess Barata Pitso (Pitso Chieftaincy)
- Deputy Secretary-General: Princess Nandile Ndamase Mabitsela (Mpondo Kingdom)
- Treasurer: Princess Tsholofelo Ramakoka (Ramakoka Chieftaincy)
- Additional Council Members:
- Princess Sinovuyo Dumalisile (Xhosa Kingdom)
- Princess Suzan Mathibe (Mathibe Chieftaincy)
Vision and Mission of the Network
The vision of the South African Royal Princesses Network is to create a unified and empowered community of progressive and developmental Princesses from diverse backgrounds across South Africa, driving positive change in their respective communities.
The mission is to provide a platform for Princesses to connect, share knowledge, and collaborate on initiatives that promote community upliftment, youth development, rural growth, and women’s empowerment.
Objectives of the Network
- Establish a strong network – Creating a platform for Princesses to connect, share experiences, and support one another.
- Empowerment through knowledge-sharing – Hosting training sessions and discussions on leadership, community development, and entrepreneurship.
- Combatting social injustices – Contributing to the fight against GBV, femicide, child abuse, human trafficking, and child trafficking through workshops, seminars, webinars, and awareness campaigns.
- Community development – Collaborating on projects that address social, economic, and environmental challenges in South African communities.
- Youth development and mentorship – Establishing mentorship programs, career guidance, and skills development initiatives for young women and girls.
- Rural development support – Identifying and supporting initiatives in agriculture, education, tourism, biodiversity, and infrastructure development.
- Advocacy for gender equality and social justice – Promoting inclusivity and respect for women’s rights.
- Cultural heritage and unity – Preserving the cultural traditions of Princesses from diverse backgrounds while fostering national unity.
- Collaborative initiatives – Partnering with government, municipalities, the business sector, NPOs, and other stakeholders to promote South Africa’s heritage and ensure the coexistence of tradition and modernity.
- Formal governance structure – Exploring the establishment of a formal association with a defined role and governance structure.
- Project support and resource mobilization – Identifying and funding projects that align with the Network’s objectives.
- Cultural events and networking – Initiating cultural events and establishing networks with traditional and royal institutions across Africa and globally, including organizations such as the UN and IMO.
Upcoming Activities
Throughout the year, the newly elected National Leadership will launch branches across the country. The main celebration of the Network’s launch will take place in September at the Nkosi Ntsikayezwe Sigcau Multipurpose Centre in Matshona Village, Ntabankulu. This event will be held in the form of a GBV, Child Trafficking, Human Trafficking, and Child Abuse Awareness Seminar to further the Network’s mission of community empowerment and advocacy.
