Episode 10 reached new levels of intensity as Queen Modjadji’s reign was, once again, tested. With Khadikhulu’s death still looming over the kingdom, the storyline plunged into the growing turmoil between Queen Modjadji (Makoma Mohale) and Dzugudini (pMasutang Rasekele). Betrayals were laid bare, dangerous alliances were forged, and as the royal house burned – both figuratively and literally – the Balobedu Kingdom stood on the brink of chaos. Here is a recap of what unfolded.
A kingdom mourns
The episode starts off on a sombre note, as the Balobedu Kingdom comes to a standstill with the announcement of the passing of Khadikhulu (Mudi Mudau). The queen is left in turmoil as she wonders who will serve as her compass throughout her reign. Queen Modjadji watches in deep grief as Khadikhulu is carried to her final resting place. In that moment, her eyes meet Dzugudini’s, and an air of tension settles over the royal house.
Dzugudini’s return and the royal council’s pressure
The royal council grows increasingly impatient, pressing Modjadji to name a new Khadikhulu, but the queen remains resolute. She firmly informs the royal council to stop meddling in royal family matters and assures them that she will announce the successor in good time. The tension in the royal council reaches boiling point, especially as they remain unaware of the brewing storm within the royal house itself. A few days later, an urgent council meeting is called. Here, Queen Modjadji shares Khadikhulu’s final wishes: that Dzugudini be pardoned and welcomed back to the Balobedu nation. This catches the council by surprise, as many in the nation believe her return and presence will tear the royal family apart. Modjadji makes a shocking decision. She omits that Khadikhulu also named Dzugudini as her successor, and instead announces that Kheyale (Maumela Mahuwa), the aunt who raised her, will assume Khadikhulu’s powerful position. This move leaves the council in shock and disbelief, as they express concerns that the nation is doomed with a successor who is not endorsed.
Dzugudini’s rage and plot for revenge
Furious and humiliated by Modjadji’s decision, Dzugudini confronts the queen. She accuses her of bringing her back only to disgrace her, declaring herself the rightful successor and vowing that Modjadji will regret this betrayal. Dzugudini wastes no time devising a strategy. She heads to the Bapedi nation to seek assistance from King Mampuru (Aubrey Mmakola). She convinces him that they both need to reclaim what is theirs, as they have both been wronged by Queen Modjadji. Unbeknownst to Dzugudini, King Mampuru has no intention of assisting her but instead sees her as a tool to further his own kingdom’s power. As Dzugudini plots her revenge, King Mampuru quietly begins to reconsider his alliance, seeing Dzugudini as more of a liability than an asset.
Fire and bad omens
Back at the Balobedu compound, celebrations are underway to mark the end of the mourning period and the inauguration of the new Khadikhulu, Kheyale. However, the festivities are interrupted when one of the royal huts catches fire, an ominous sign of bad luck. The fire starter, Matome (Magwaza Mathebula) son of Mudinga (Rudolph Khunwane), is quickly caught and reveals that he was sent by Dzugudini, further fuelling the conflict within the royal family.
A dangerous turn
As the episode draws to a close, Modjadji retreats to the sacred caves to seek help from the ancestors in dealing with Dzugudini. Overcome with anger and betrayal, Modjadji urges the ancestors to intervene by putting an end to Dzugudini’s schemes. Declaring that she has shown mercy to Dzugudini twice, she asks that the ancestors take Dzugudini’s life, believing that only her death will restore peace to the kingdom.
Episode 10 sets the stage for an epic conclusion, as the Balobedu Kingdom faces internal strife, betrayal, and looming danger. With Dzugudini and King Mampuru’s plot against the queen and the fire signalling bad omens, the kingdom stands on the edge of chaos. The queen’s plea to the ancestors marks a pivotal moment, leaving viewers wondering what fate will befall Dzugudini and if Modjadji can reclaim her power and the future of her reign.
There are only two episodes left. Make sure not to miss them. Queen Modjadji airs Sundays at 20:00 on Mzansi Magic. If you’ve missed any episodes you can catch up on DStv Stream here. Join in the conversation by using the hashtag #QueenModjadjiMzansi on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.