Episode 9 of Queen Modjadji delivered a gripping storyline that masterfully balanced personal and royal-political stakes. As we enter the final stretch of the series, tensions in the Balobedu kingdom continue to build up, with Modjadji’s (Makoma Mohale) decisions catching up to her rather dramatically. With only three episodes left, the future of the Balobedu kingdom and Queen Modjadji’s reign hang in the balance.
An heirless kingdom in crisis
Modjadji’s decision to marry 15 wives, breaking from patriarchal norms, has earned her praise for her progressive rule. However, as the royal council reminds her, none of these wives can produce an heir. The council is increasingly anxious about the future, with Nduna Mudinga’s (Rudolph Khunwane) stern warning ringing true in their minds: Modjadji may be the end of their nation if she cannot secure her lineage. Although some royal council members defend the queen, citing the rain she has brought and the peace she has restored with neighbouring villages, the concern about the lack of an heir overshadows all else – because rain will not birth an heir.
A sacred encounter
The tension around succession takes a personal turn when Modjadji meets her cousin, son of Khiphimo (Fortune Thobejane) at the sacred pool. In a moment of intimacy, Modjadji allows him to bathe in the sacred waters and invites him to her quarters – a move that signals her growing desperation to secure an heir. Later, in her quarters, Modjadji makes a shocking request as she asks him to keep their encounter a secret, revealing her intention for his seed to father the next Rain Queen. This scene marks a significant break from tradition and demonstrates Modjadji’s willingness to challenge the boundaries of her role in order to protect her legacy. These bold actions show just how far the queen is willing to go to secure the future of the Balobedu people.
A visit from King Shaka’s delegation
As Modjadji’s personal life becomes more complicated, her reputation as a powerful rainmaker continues to grow. King Shaka, ruler of the Zulu nation, sends a delegation to request her aid in bringing rain to their drought-stricken lands. Modjadji impresses the delegation by knowing their request before they even speak. She assures them that their lands will be lush and green with rivers overflowing by the time they return home. This scene reinforces Modjadji’s stature beyond her kingdom, even as her personal and royal-political struggles mount within it.
Khadikhulu’s illness and the call for Dzugudini
As Khadikhulu’s (Mudi Mudau) health deteriorates, the focus shifts back to the royal family. When Khadikhulu collapses and regains consciousness, she shocks everyone by asking that Dzugudini (Masutang Rasekele) be brought back to the royal compound. Many believe this request is a result of her failing mind, but Khadikhulu insists that righting the wrongs of the past is her final wish. This revelation throws the royal family into chaos, as accusations begin to swirl around Modjadji for sparing Dzugudini’s life in the first place. With no time to lose, Modjadji sets off to find her traitorous mother, who has been hiding in King Mampuru’s kingdom since her escape. Modjadji’s search leads to a dangerous confrontation when Dzugudini tries to attack her. Modjadji confronts her mother, telling her that her hatred is misplaced and should be channelled toward the ancestors, not her. After much tension, Dzugudini agrees to return to the royal compound, though her arrival is met with hostility.
Heartbreaking conclusion
Modjadji and Dzugudini arrive too late, finding that Khadikhulu has already transitioned to the ancestral side. In her final moments, Khadikhulu had made one last request to Kheale (Maumela Mahuwa): that the great aunt beads be placed on the rightful rakhadi upon her passing. This symbolic act signals the ceremonial transition of power. As the episode draws to a close, Raisibe (Helen Lebepe) delivers the devastating news to Modjadji, leaving the queen to confront the uncertain future of her reign without her trusted guide.
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