BOLOBEDU'S rain queen celebrated her birthday with people from various cultural groups on Saturday, 15 April.
Queen Masalanabo Modjadji VII's 18th birthday party took place at the Kara Heritage Institute in the Tshwane CBD.
It was attended by many people from various cultures and organised by the Balobedu Heritage Society, which was founded by her great-grandmother Queen Mokope Mudjadji V in 2001.
They also used the occasion to launch her book called Queen Masalanabo VII, Daughter of the Sun.
Princess Rachel Mlambo said they will always be there for her.
Addressing her, Mlambo said: "I know deep down that you are the best of the best. For our ancestors to give you to us, we really thank them. We thank your ancestors. We thank all the queens.”
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Prince Mongezi Tom, who is the provincial secretary of the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (Contralesa), said that they were happy to have a queen in their presence.
"We want her to know how to fight poverty and to fight gender-based violence in the community," he said.
Carlton Mukwevho from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco), said the organisation was established by the late former president Nelson Mandela.
"We are the custodians of culture in South Africa. We know the rain queen Masalanabo Modjadji VII," he said.
The queen's uncle, Rodney Mokgwakgwe Modjadji, said it's a great day and the family was happy.
"Our message is that people must respect their kings, chiefs and leaders," he said.
Professor Mathole Motshekga said that people must help young girl children to know who they are and where they come from.
He said that they were blessed to celebrate the birthday of the only rain queen in South Africa.
He said Modjadji rain queen was making it rain on earth on behalf of the rain queens in heaven.
He said that's why all kings and queens in South Africa and Africa respected the Modjadji dynasty.
"The Mudjadji dynasty became the symbol of unity," he said.
Miss Limpopo 2023 Mary-Grace Whitehead said: "It's important for us to reflect back on culture and tradition. The Balobedu nation is the only nation with a female queen. This is empowering young girls to know that they have ability to lead."
The event was also attended by Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga.
