Empowering Tradition, Shaping the Future: The Launch of the South African Royal Princesses Network
By Kirtan Bhana - TDS
9 June 2025
In a resounding affirmation of South Africa’s rich traditional heritage and the central role of women in reshaping the future of the continent, the official launch of the South African Royal Princesses Network (SARPN) took place at Freedom Park, Pretoria on 31 May 2025 — a venue steeped in the symbolism of history, healing, and the continuing struggle to correct the colonial narrative. This historic occasion marked a significant moment for African identity, womanhood, and indigenous knowledge systems, as the nation finds its voice amid a rapidly shifting global paradigm.
Founded in 2019 by Princess Stella Sigcau II of the Mpondo Kingdom, SARPN is a national platform that brings together over 125 royal princesses from South Africa’s nine provinces. Its mission is bold and timely: to empower royal women, reclaim cultural dignity, and drive transformation through the principles of unity, tradition, and leadership. The networks new leadership was officially elected on 8 March 2025, aligning with International Women’s Day — a fitting tribute to its core values of gender equality and women’s empowerment.
A New Chapter in Nation-Building
Princess Sigcau, a seasoned diplomat with postings in Thailand, the Republic of Congo, Botswana, and Hong Kong, understands deeply the need for Africanization in the post-colonial era. As the founder of the Mpondo Reed Dance (Inkciyo yamaMpondo, 2008) and co-founder of the Mpondo Culture and Heritage Festival (2006), she has consistently championed the revival of indigenous cultural practices rooted in dignity and integrity. In SARPN, she has created a platform that seeks not just to preserve tradition, but to position royal women as agents of change in a society still healing from the legacy of the Berlin Conference of 1884, which brutally fragmented African identities.
Addressing the gathering of royal dignitaries and princesses from across the land at the launch event at Freedom Park on 31 May 2025, the newly elected SARPN Chairperson Princess Nonkululeko Mahlangu from amaNdzundza Kingdom emphasized the dual responsibility of the network: to honour tradition while empowering women to lead in a modern South Africa. “The colonisers tried to divide us with tribalism to fulfil their mandate. It is now our duty to rise above those divisions, walk united, and restore our dignity,” she said.
Vision and Objectives of SARPN
Operating under the slogan “Empowering Roots, Inspiring Futures,” SARPN is not merely a ceremonial body. It is a developmental and action-oriented network that fosters leadership and social cohesion while bridging the gap between tradition and modernity. The network is guided by four key pillars:
1. Empowerment – Supporting women through education, mentorship, and the revival of cultural pride.
2. Leadership – Creating pathways for royal women to emerge as leaders in public, civic, and traditional roles.
3. Unity – Promoting social cohesion by embracing the diversity of South Africa’s heritage.
4. Support – Offering a space for princesses to connect, share experiences, and mobilize communities.
Addressing Social Ills and Uplifting Communities
The SARPN initiative goes beyond cultural preservation. It takes on critical societal issues such as gender-based violence (GBV), child trafficking, femicide, substance abuse, and mental health stigma. Through workshops, community development projects, and capacity-building programs, the network is laying the groundwork for lasting impact across rural and urban landscapes.
The princesses have committed themselves to rural development, particularly in the areas of agriculture, education, and infrastructure, while also advocating for entrepreneurship, public administration training, and youth mentorship. A special focus is placed on girls’ and women’s skills development — a direct response to the ongoing struggle for gender parity in both traditional and modern spheres of influence.
Partnerships and Diplomacy
SARPN’s work is collaborative by design. Princesses engage actively with government departments, traditional councils, municipalities, NPOs, and international diplomatic missions. These partnerships aim to elevate South Africa’s multilingual and multicultural identity, reinforcing the idea that tradition and progress are not mutually exclusive — they are complementary forces in the making of a just and inclusive society.
The princesses also maintain international royal engagements, forging bonds with global counterparts to share knowledge and work together on projects of mutual concern. This diplomatic dimension of SARPN underscores the recognition of African royals as custodians of both legacy and innovation in a globalized world.
The Road Ahead
The official unveiling at Lwandlolubomvu Great Place in Ntabankulu, expected in September 2025, will be more than a ceremonial milestone. It will signify SARPN’s entrenched role in driving a new African consciousness — one that is female-led, culturally grounded, and development-focused.
As Africa continues to redefine itself in global forums, platforms like SARPN become crucial vessels for reclaiming historical narratives and celebrating African ancient civilizations and indigenous knowledge systems. The launch of SARPN is not merely the beginning of a network, but the continuation of an African renaissance that centers women, tradition, and unity as pillars of transformation.
In the words of the network’s leadership: "Together, we can create a more just, equitable, and prosperous future for generations to come."