Episode 8 of Queen Modjadji delivered another gripping chapter, brimming with bold power moves, while the future of the Balobedu kingdom hung in the balance. Queen Modjadji (Makoma Mohale) and her loyal ally Raisibe (Helen Lebepe) executed a daring plan to win back Mambo’s wives, while King Mampuru (Aubrey Mmakola) attempted to secure his dominance with a strategic marriage proposal. Yet, it was the queen’s final move at the royal council that truly shook the kingdom to its core.
A queen in disguise
The episode opened with a strategic move – Queen Modjadji and Raisibe, now reunited, swapped roles to outmanoeuvre Mambo's wives. Disguised as a royal messenger, the queen approached the wives, who still had no idea what she looked like. She delivered a heartfelt plea, expressing her desire to right her father’s wrongs and inviting them to return to the royal home to help rebuild the kingdom. To cement her sincerity, the disguised queen offered gifts of food, underscoring her commitment to healing the kingdom’s wounds.
While some wives remained sceptical, doubting whether they could trust the queen, one wife, Muyahabo (Candy TsaMaNdebele), acknowledged the powerful symbol of legitimacy: how the queen’s birth had brought rain. She urged the other wives that they needed to speak with one voice when they eventually decided to meet with the queen.
A call to the ancestors
Following her encounter with her father’s wives, Queen Modjadji retreated to the sacred caves to seek guidance from her ancestors. In a visually stunning and emotionally charged scene, she pleaded for help in understanding her true purpose and how to restore balance to her kingdom. The ancestors responded clearly that she needed to bring harmony back to the Balobedu people. Though filled with doubt, the queen was reminded of her lineage as Mambo’s daughter and how she knew deep down what needed to be done – even if it meant challenging the royal council.
King Mampuru’s grand proposal
Meanwhile, King Mampuru, confident that marriage to Queen Modjadji would be his key to controlling the Balobedu kingdom, arrived at the royal kraal with extravagant gifts and grand promises. Complimenting her beauty and rainmaking abilities, he proposed a union he claimed would bring glory to their kingdoms. Unbeknownst to him, he was actually addressing Raisibe, who was still playing the role of the queen. Confident that his proposal would be accepted, Mampuru began feasting. But when Raisibe politely declined the offer on behalf of the queen, Mampuru's confidence turned to fury, and he stormed out humiliated with his grand plan in ruins. The episode also revealed that King Mampuru had secretly given sanctuary to Dzugudini (Masutang Rasekele) since her escape from the Balobedu homestead.
The queen’s bold move
The episode’s climax came during a tense royal council meeting. In a move that defied centuries of tradition, Queen Modjadji announced that she had taken wives – an act that not only reinforced her authority but also shocked the kingdom. The royal council was left in turmoil, with Nduna Mudiga (Rudolph Thabo Khunwane) resigning in protest, unable to accept the queen’s radical changes. Unfazed, Queen Modjadji wished him luck, signalling that she is ready to lead on her own terms.
Episode 8 of Queen Modjadji masterfully blended spiritual awakening with intense power struggles, solidifying Queen Modjadji’s position as a leader who will stop at nothing to restore balance to her kingdom.
Watch Queen Modjadji every Sunday at 20:00 on Mzansi Magic. Missed the first eight episodes of Queen Modjadji? Catch up on DStv Stream here. Join in the conversation by using the hashtag #QueenModjadjiMzansi on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.