As rain set in across the country on Tuesday, government and traditional leaders were certain that the news of the restoration of the Queenship of the Balobedu set the showers in motion.
The centuries-old monarch had been demoted to a chieftaincy by the apartheid government in 1972, stripping the then Queen, Makoma Modjadji IV, of her inherited royal stature that put the Balobedu on par with the likes of Kgoshi Sekhukhune.
The Minister for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Des van Rooyen, led the delegation to the Modjadji Traditional Authority in gaModjadji, Limpopo, where he officially informed the royal council of the government’s decision.
He too believed it was a good omen to have rainfall on the day the only Rain Queen in South Africa was recognised in their rightful place.
Chairperson of the National House of Traditional Leaders, Kgosi Maubane, told community members that the ancestry of the Modjadji queendom was one of the richest histories of the African people.
“We know the ancestry of the Modjadji queendom, it’s self explanatory. Stand, be proud of yourself, sing and dance, celebrate the Modjadji queendom, because you have remained true to the way of the Balobedu. I believe that this year we will have rain and a good harvest, there is no other way. We must plant seeds and feed communities.”
The tribe has been performing closely guarded rain-making rituals for centuries, with a culture, language and beliefs unique to them, yet their prominence as an independent nation was overlooked.
Instead, they were forced to identify as Bapedi, a tribe equal to them in stature.
Although President Jacob Zuma proclaimed the Modjadji queenship on March 31, the government had to officially inform the current ruler, Regent Bakgoma Modjadji, and the traditional council.
Modjadji is acting as leader of the Balobedu until the youngest Rain Queen - 11-year-old Masalanabo Modjadji - takes over when she turns 18.
Women ululated as communities from the different villages ruled by the queenship celebrated the proclamation, saying there could never be a better time for a woman ruler to be restored to her rightful place.
Limpopo Cogta MEC Makoma Makhurupetje, who is also a Molobedu, said the restoration was an indication that the government was listening to its people.
Balobedu waged a 20-year struggle that forced late former president Nelson Mandela to visit the traditional authority twice in an effort to undo the wrong that cost the tribe their right to self-identity.
“Women have been undermined for a very long time. This queenship gives hope to women leaders that indeed in this democracy, women have a space and a role to play. They must be able to stand up and say the women of 1956 said they don't want a Dompas, now we have challenges... HIV, domestic violence and others.
“We must look at this queenship to say we can have a queen, and it uplifts the status of women, to say as women we can lead in this country.”
The government plans to host an even bigger event during heritage month in September to celebrate the restoration.
LABOUR BUREAU