The High Court in Polokwane, Limpopo, has heard that Princess Masindi Mphephu would not have been automatically eligible to ascend the throne even if she was a male person.

Princess Mphephu is battling it out in court with her uncle and former VhaVenda King Toni Mphephu Ramabulana for the throne.

A customary law expert, Zamokuhle Mupayi, has testified that it’s the responsibility of the royal family to appoint a king.

“If she were male, if that male were not born of a Dzekiso wife in an instance they should have been a Dzekiso wife then like any other make in the male child of the king, she could still not be eligible to ascend to the throne.” says Mupayi.

Video | VhaVenda Royal court case: