Limpopo Villagers Appeal to Rain Queen for Relief from Drought
Residents in the Tzaneen region of Limpopo have sought assistance from the newly appointed Rain Queen, Masalanabo Modjadji VII, in their urgent need for rain.
This request follows the unsuccessful drilling of several boreholes by the Mopani district municipality, which have yielded no water over the past few years due to an ongoing drought affecting the area.
Traditional Rainmaking Ceremonies
The Modjadji family, renowned for their mystical ability to summon rain, has a long history of performing rainmaking ceremonies during periods of dry weather in Limpopo.
Each October, five families closely related to the Modjadji royal lineage gather at the Rain Queen’s Palace located in Khethakone to conduct these sacred rituals.
During these ceremonies, they utilize a ceremonial horn sourced from Zimbabwe to communicate with their ancestors at a revered site known as Thokoleng.
As explained by former royal family and council chair Mohale Malatji, who has since passed away, the family combines the use of this magical horn with offerings of traditional beer called Mphapho poured onto this sacred ground.
Rainfall Invocation
The participants earnestly ask their ancestors for rainfall in their region. The effectiveness of their supplications is often signaled by darkening clouds that lead to significant downpours capable of replenishing local dams and rivers.
Following these rainfall events, families partake in drinking Mphapho beer and engage in hours of dancing around the sacred site as the rain continues unabated.
Water Supply Efforts
At a recent community meeting held by Mopani district officials in Makhwibidung near Tzaneen, villagers urged Mayor Pule Shayi to appeal to the Modjadjis for rain assistance.
In response, Shayi stated that water would be provided through both boreholes and water tankers.
“In Greater Tzaneen municipality, we have a total of 663 boreholes; however, only 287 are currently operational,” Shayi noted.
He also mentioned that R45 million has been allocated to activate all boreholes within the district as part of efforts to mitigate water shortages.
Despite these measures, Shayi expressed concern about vandalism issues affecting infrastructure: “We face challenges as 42 boreholes have been damaged and six transformers have been stolen.”
Rain Queens of baLobedu, South Africa: Guardians of Clouds and Rainfall
Queen Modjadji, commonly referred to as the Rain Queen, is the hereditary leader of the Balobedu people in South Africa’s Limpopo Province. The Rain Queens possess remarkable powers that enable them to influence rainfall and cloud formations.
The Lobedu, also identified as baLobedu, are an indigenous group residing in the Limpopo region. They are well-known for their unique monarchy, or Queendom, where a woman always holds the position of ruler. Succession to the throne is exclusively female; no men are allowed to ascend.
These queens are believed to have the ability to summon rain. Historically, when nearing death, they would perform ritual suicide through poisoning to ensure a swift transition of power to their daughters. Prior to 1800, however, male leaders governed the baLobedu.
Typically, succession follows a matrilineal line from mother to eldest daughter; if that is not feasible, it may pass to a granddaughter, sister, or cousin. Traditionally, female rulers married close male relatives; however, recent practices have changed—one late queen chose her lover instead.
The royal council expressed discontent regarding this choice due to his non-royal lineage; nevertheless, with their daughter recognized as heir apparent, there has been some shift in perception. Since 1800, seven Rain Queens have ascended the throne.
Rain Queen Maselekwane Modjadji I
She was the first queen in this lineage and ruled until her ritual suicide by poisoning in 1854.
HM Queen Makobo Modjadji VI of baLobedu
South Africa (2003-2005) succeeded her grandmother Rain Queen Mokope Modjadji V after her passing in 2001. Born in 1978 and having lost her mother Princess Makhaela before inheriting the throne, she became monarch at just 25 years old but faced an early demise in 2005. She was noted as the youngest queen until her daughter Masalanabo Modjadji VII now holds that distinction as the youngest rain queen.
