MODJADJI

Old, religious, happy, enormous, all of these words make me think of Modjadji.

Limpopo is a province of dramatic contrasts that is characterised by savannah plains, mist clad mountains, indigenous forests, cycads alongside latter day plantations and ancient mountains. Limpopo is also rich in culture and history of europeans and natives alike.

Modjadji lies in the Mopani District in the Limpopo Province. This is the second poorest province in the country and fifth densely populated province in South Africa.

The area is rich in natural resources like the historic forest of the Rain Queen, Modjadji Cycad Nature reserve, Magoebaskloof and surrounding areas that are mostly used for farming activities, warm sub tropical climate, natural beauty, dams like Ebenezer dam, Magoebaskloof Dam and Tzaneen dam.

Modjadji Cycad Reserve

You will find this park about 28km north of Duiwelskloof now Modjadjis Kloof. This park has got the largest concentration of a single species of cycad in the world, the Modjadji cycad. When strolling through the reserve one almost get a feeling of big monsters or dinosaurs that could appear from behind one of these giant plants. The Reserve is on the sacred mountain which is home to the Rain Queen. A number of walks can be taken and there is also a small museum dedicated to the Rain Queen that still lives in this protected area.

To stroll around in this reserve amongst these giant plants one almost feels that you don't really belong there and are trespassing in a sacred place. The view from the top into the valley below is breathtaking especially if the mist surrounds the Cycads.

The Rain Queen

Wouldn't it be great if you had the power of making it rain whenever it is dry? Just think of the followers you would have!

Well, Modjadji (ruler of the day) is rumored to have such powers. In November of every year, she directs the annual rainmaking ceremony at her royal compound in Khetlhakone village. Supposedly this ceremony will let the skies open.

The story of the Modjadji, the Rain Queen, is actually very sad - if you really think about it. She is not allowed to marry but can have (illegitimate) children. Discreet arrangements were made to ensure that her natural desires were fulfilled - the queen was not expected to confine her sexual activities. All of these discreet arrangements were planned by her councillors - to ensure that the royal blood line is pure. The queen is also (expected by custom) to shun public functions and only communicate with her people through her male councillors.

According to custom and the strict laws of the tribe, the Queen is not allowed to have a husband but did have around 15 wives. These were chosen for her by the Royal Council and in general are from the household of the subject chiefs. This strange ritual of bride giving is strictly a form of diplomacy to ensure loyalty to the Queen. In the end when she feels that death is close by she will appoint her eldest daughter as successor and kill herself by drinking poison.

1. Rain Queen I Maselekwane Modjadji (1800-1854)

2. Rain Queen II Masalanabo Modjadji (1854-1895)

3. Rain Queen III Khetoane Modjadji (1896-1959)

4. Rain Queen IV Makoma Modjadji (1959-1980)

5. Rain Queen V Mokope Modjadji (1981-2001)

6. Rain Queen VI Makobo Modjadji (1978-2005)

7. Previous queen's daugter was fathered by a commoner. No queen appointed from 2005 - 2007.