MODJADJI - The Royal family of Modjadji has vowed that they would do everything possible to make sure that the Greater Letaba Municipality amends its decision to rename Duivelskloof.

This follows the decision by the municipality to rename an ANC hero, Ngoako Ramalepe, who was killed by the police in the area 23 years ago as the new name for Duivelskloof.

The Royal family's spokesperson, Ronnie Moroatshehla, said the town should be named after the late Rain Queen, Modjadji IV, because she has played a big role in the community.

The family raised their concern to Premier Ngoako Ramatlhodi and MEC Joe Maswanganyi, who said they couldn't reverse the decision taken by the municipality.

Moroatshetla said they would not rest until the decision is amended. He added that the family was still discussing the issue and they would go to the highest level to see the matter through.

However, the spokesperson for the municipality, Daniel Siedibeng, said the Royal family should have taken the opportunity to participate in the public hearings, instead of complaining to the MEC and the Premier. Siedibeng said there was no way the decision could be amended according to the method applied by the Council. "The names of Maupa and Modjadji, both royalty, were on the panel after they had been nominated by community members. Unfortunately they did not get many votes."

Siedibeng said it was not that they wanted to undermine the late Queen Modjadji and the role she played in the community. "We can't compare Modjadji and Ramalepe, as they played different roles in different positions. Both did important things, but we have to take one name," said Siedibeng.

Meanwhile, Alfred Mabunda of the Xhimoko Progressive Party said that a local school should be named after Ramalepe and the town Duivelskloof after Modjadji.