Rain Queen facts for kids

Queen Modjadji, also known as the Rain Queen, is a special hereditary queen of the Balobedu people. They live in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. People believe the Rain Queen has amazing powers, like being able to control clouds and make it rain.

As of 2021, there isn't a ruling Rain Queen. The last one passed away on June 12, 2005. A new Rain Queen is expected to be crowned once she turns 18 years old.

History of the Rain Queens

There are different stories about how the Rain Queens of Balobedu came to be. One story says that in the 1500s, an old chief in a place called Monomotapa (now part of Zimbabwe) was told by his ancestors that if his daughter, Dzugundini, had a child with him, she would gain special rain-making abilities.

Another story from the same chief's family tells of a secret. The chief's son had a child with Dzugundini. Because of this, Dzugundini had to leave the village. She traveled and eventually settled in the Molototsi Valley, which is where the Balobedu Kingdom is today.

The village Dzugundini started was first led by a man named Mugudo. But there were many arguments between families. To bring peace back, Mugudo had a vision. He believed he needed to have a child with his own daughter to start a new family line where women would lead. This led to the birth of the very first Rain Queen, who was called Modjadji. This name means "ruler of the day."

Some old stories also say that the Rain Queens originally came from ancient Ethiopia. They are even said to have helped build the famous fortress of Great Zimbabwe.

In the 1930s, two researchers, Eileen and Jack Krige, studied the Rain Queens' society. Their book, The Realm of a Rain-Queen, is still an important book about the Balobedu people.

Special Customs of the Rain Queen

The Rain Queen has many unique customs she follows. She usually stays out of public view. She talks to her people only through special male or female advisors.

Every November, she leads an important rainmaking ceremony. This takes place at her royal home in Khetlhakone Village.

The Rain Queen does not marry in the usual way. However, she has many "wives," as they are called in the Balobedu language. These are not spouses. They are more like special helpers or ladies-in-waiting. They are sent from different villages across the Balobedu Kingdom. These "wives" are chosen by the Queen's Royal Council. They usually come from the families of other chiefs. This tradition of "bride giving" is a way to show loyalty and keep peace with the Queen.

People believe the Rain Queen's special rain-making powers are shown in her beautiful garden. This garden surrounds her royal home. While the land around it is often dry, her garden is lush and green. It has the world's largest cycad trees, which grow well under a special rainy climate. One type of cycad tree, the Modjadji cycad, is even named after the Rain Queen.

The Rain Queen is a very important person in South Africa. Many communities respect her position. In the past, people often tried to avoid fighting out of respect for her. The fifth Rain Queen, Mokope Modjadji, had good relationships with important leaders like Nelson Mandela. Even presidents of South Africa during apartheid visited the Rain Queens.

The Rain Queen and her royal family have become a popular tourist attraction. This helps the South African economy. The government even offered the Rain Queen an annual payment. This money also helps to protect the special cycad trees in her gardens.

Makobo Modjadji VI

Makobo Constance Modjadji VI

Rain Queen Makobo Constance Modjadji VI (born 1978 – died June 12, 2005) was the sixth Rain Queen of the Balobedu people. Makobo was crowned on April 16, 2003. She was 25 years old at the time, taking over after her grandmother, Queen Mokope Modjadji, passed away. This made Makobo the youngest queen in the history of the Balobedu.

Makobo was taken to the Limpopo Medi-Clinic on June 10, 2005, because she was sick. She passed away two days later, at the age of 27. The official reason for her death was a brain infection called chronic meningitis. She had a son, Prince Lekukela Hex (born 1997), and a daughter, Princess Masalanabo (born February 2005).

Who Becomes the Next Rain Queen?

The Rain Queen's official partners are chosen by the Royal Council. This makes sure that all her children are part of the royal family. In the past, the Rain Queen was only allowed to have children with close relatives.

The Balobedu crown usually passes from mother to daughter. This means the eldest daughter always becomes the next Rain Queen. This tradition is called matrilineal primogeniture. In the past, it was said that the Queen would take a special plant when she was close to death. This was to help her daughter become Queen faster. However, many old traditions have changed over time, partly because of Christian missionaries.

In 2016, the South African government recognized Princess Masalanabo as the future Rain Queen. She was expected to officially become Queen in 2021 when she turned 18. This is because young people are not allowed to be traditional leaders. Makobo's brother, Prince Mpapatla, was chosen to be the regent (a temporary ruler) for Princess Masalanabo. Prince Mpapatla has said that Princess Masalanabo will be crowned queen when she is old enough.

However, in May 2021, the Modjadji Royal Council chose Masalanabo's older brother, Prince Lekukela, to be king of the Balobedu nation. Prince Regent Mpapatla supported this decision. They said that Masalanabo was not ready for the special duties of a Rain Queen. This is because she lives in a different city, Gauteng, with the family of Mathole Motshekga, who used to advise the Royal Council. Mpapatla claims there was a secret decision in 2006 to make Lekukela the heir. The Royal Council plans for Princess Masalanabo to become khadi-kholo (great aunt) of the kingdom instead. Lekukela is expected to be crowned in October 2022.

Princess Masalanabo's legal team has gone to court to challenge this decision. They say it is against the law and ignores the fact that President Cyril Ramaphosa recognized Masalanabo as the Rain Queen. An online petition was started in May 2021 against Lekukela's appointment, but the Royal Council says their decision cannot be changed.

A male part of the royal family has also asked the South African president to bring back the male line of rulers. This male line ruled before 1800. This request is probably not going to be granted. This is because the Rain Queen's heritage is seen as an important national treasure. It also brings many tourists to the area. Some people believe this male group is trying to cause problems within the royal family.

List of Rain Queens

1. Rain Queen I Maselekwane Modjadji (1800–1854)
2. Rain Queen II Masalanabo I Modjadji (1854–1894)
3. Rain Queen III Khesetoane Modjadji (1895–1959)
4. Rain Queen IV Makoma Modjadji (1959–1980)
5. Rain Queen V Mokope Modjadji (1981–2001)
6. Rain Queen VI Makobo Modjadji (2003–2005)
7. Prince Regent Mpapada Modjadji (2007-)