Mokope Modjadji facts for kids

Mokope Modjadji V was a very important leader of the Balobedu tribe in South Africa. She was the fifth Rain Queen, a special ruler believed to have the power to make rain. She reigned from 1981 until she passed away in 2001.

Her Life as Rain Queen

Mokope Modjadji V was a very traditional leader. She lived a quiet life in her Royal Compound in Khetlhakone Village. She followed all the old customs that Rain Queens had always followed.

Meeting Nelson Mandela

In 1994, Mokope Modjadji V became good friends with Nelson Mandela, who was the President of South Africa at the time. At first, Mandela could only talk to the Rain Queen through a special person called an intermediary. This person would pass messages back and forth.

Later, their friendship grew stronger. Mandela even bought the Rain Queen a Japanese car. This helped her travel easily on the steep roads to her home. After this, he was able to meet her in person. When asked about the Rain Queen, Mandela said she was like Queen Elizabeth II – she didn't answer questions directly.

Her Role in Politics

Queen Mokope had some concerns about the new ANC government. She worried that their modern ideas might weaken her traditional authority. However, once the ANC came to power, they showed her great respect. They even offered her a yearly salary.

Family and Succession

Mokope Modjadji V had three children. Her daughter, Princess Makheala, was chosen to be the next Rain Queen. Sadly, Princess Makheala passed away in 2001, just two days before her mother.

Queen Mokope died at the age of 64. After her death, Makheala's daughter, Makobo, became the next Rain Queen. Mokope's son, Prince Masopha Edwin Modjadji, died a few years later in 2005.