Reviving Tribal Histories Through African Storytelling

By: Ofentse Tladi

After the Pretoria High Court dismissed the Balobedu Royal Council's bid to stop the Queen Modjadji series from airing, it is crucial to reflect on the importance of such historical narratives in South Africa's cultural landscape.

In South Africa today, many young people are increasingly disconnected from their tribal histories, despite these histories being a foundational part of their identity.  

As modern influences dominate, traditional stories and the rich heritage of tribal communities often fade into the background. The absence of knowledge about tribal histories is not just a loss of cultural memory; it is also a loss of the values, lessons, and sense of belonging that these stories embody.  

Among these many stories is the story of Queen Modjadji, the legendary Rain Queen of the Balobedu tribe found in the Limpopo province.  

Before the Queen Modjadji series aired on Mzansi Magic on July 14, the Balobedu Royal Council was bent on preventing this project from becoming a reality for MultiChoice.  

The Balobedu Royal Council argued that neither the council nor the Rain Queen Masalanabo Modjadji VII were consulted by MultiChoice before the series was produced. However, MultiChoice disagreed with this, stating that they engaged with tribal leaders and academic experts.  

Despite reaching out to MultiChoice’s senior communications manager for clarification, they have yet to respond to inquiries about which specific tribal leaders and academic experts they consulted with. 

What makes it difficult to take sides in this conflict is that on one hand the Royal Council can feel that they should have been consulted with to ensure the depiction they believe is accurate of Queen Modjadji’s history is carried out.  

On the other hand, MultiChoice, as a leading entertainment company that tells African stories, also should be able to tell significant African narratives like that of Queen Modjadji. MultiChoice’s claims of consulting with tribal leaders and academic experts make it challenging for outsiders to judge who is right or wrong. 

Prominent South African Tribal Figures

Did You Know Facts about Queen Modjadji. Graphic by: Ofentse Tladi

According to SA Navy, one of the naval forces in the African region, the history of Queen Modjadji, begins in the late 1580s when Dzugundini, escaping a royal scandal, established the Balobedu Kingdom. In the 1700s, the chief Mugodo established a female dynasty by killing his sons and marrying his daughter.  

Modjadji I, the first queen of this dynasty, ascended to the throne in 1800, ushering in an era of peace and prosperity. She was renowned for her secretive rainmaking rituals and lived in seclusion within the Modjadji reserve. Her rainmaking powers earned her respect from leaders like Zulu King Shaka until her death in 1854.  

Did You Know Facts about King Shaka Zulu. Graphic by: Ofentse Tladi

Shaka, born in 1787 and died in 1828, was the Zulu chief who founded the Zulu Kingdom in South Africa. He became head of the Zulu in 1816, and under his autocratic leadership, the kingdom rapidly expanded, becoming the dominant power in Southeastern Africa. His life is surrounded by many colourful and debated stories, but he is widely recognised as a highly skilled warrior.  

The 2023 release of the Shaka iLembe series has played a significant role in educating many young people, particularly in the KZN province, about the history of the Zulu Kingdom.  

Another tribal leader, Moshoeshoe, originally named Lepoqo, became the chief of the Bamokoteli in 1820 and later united various refugee groups during the Shaka wars to form the Basotho nation. He established his stronghold at Thaba Bosiu and successfully defended his people against attacks from Shaka Zulu and Mzilikazi Ndebele.  

Did You Know Facts about King Moshoeshoe. Graphic by: Ofentse Tladi.

To date, the absence of a series about King Moshoeshoe can be disheartening, as it leaves many young Sotho people feeling disconnected from the visual representation of their heritage and history, missing the opportunity to engage with their cultural legacy in the same way as other communities. 

Given South Africa’s 12 official languages and the 11 distinct cultural traditions that continue to thrive, these are just a few of the prominent tribal leaders who have shaped the nation’s rich heritage.  

These tribal leaders continue to influence discussions about the country’s history and often become central figures in debates about key tribal events, which have been passed down from generations through oral storytelling.  

Connecting with the past

Who are we and where do we come from? 

Watching and engaging with the Queen Modjadji series made me reflect on my large and endless family tree. From my father’s side, I have Tsonga and Ndebele roots, while from my mother’s side, I am both Sotho and Tswana. 

My surname, “Tladi,” is Pedi, inherited from my father’s stepfather. However, since my step grandfather and I are not connected by blood, I sometimes feel a sense of distance from him and even from my own surname. 

Understanding who we are requires delving into the past and exploring the stories of our great grandparents and those who came before them. To truly assess our lineage, we must ask: what were their hopes, dreams, and mistakes? How do these elements shape us as young people today?  

Are their aspirations ingrained in us, or do we live disconnected from our heritage?  

The answers to these questions are inherently subjective, as there is no scientific proof. Yet, connecting with the past is a profound spiritual practice that allows us to discover a deeper version of ourselves – a practice that resonates across most religions and forms a significant part of many people’s lives.  

Honouring our heritage

As many young people grapple with identity crises, tribal histories can serve as a bridge to a clearer sense of self, helping us connect with the countless stories buried in our heritage. 

A study by international scientists from the university of Pennsylvania has highlighted Africa as the most genetically diverse continent on earth, illustrating how our stories and ancestral bloodlines intertwine. 

The South African concept “Ubuntu,” meaning “I am because we are,” not only speaks to our shared humanity but also speaks to our interconnectedness. Despite the vastness of my family tree and the distance I feel from my surname and my step grandfather’s traditions, I am, like many others, a tapestry of countless influences.  

African Storytelling is essential to understanding our identity. The experiences, hopes, dreams, and mistakes of those who came before us often mirror the ones we face today, offering valuable insights into our own journeys.  

To fully embrace this interconnectedness, let us invest in, engage with, and deeply appreciate the stories of our origins.