Alex Matlala

Alex Matlala

Tears of joy and the hooting of cars in the streets of Bolobedu highlighted the exuberant mood of locals who celebrated in style after the Modjadji royal family's success in bringing rains to Limpopo at the weekend.

The ancient family's rare rain- making powers were witnessed by thousands of people when rain fell only in Bolobedu a few hours after the yearly rainmaking ceremony on Saturday.

The Mathekga family, close relatives of the Modjadjis, was the first family to hold the ceremony. But now the Modjadjis have proved that they possess the power to make rain, clearing up any uncertainty about their ability to do so.

The regent, Prince Mpapatla, who was supposed to lead the proceedings, couldn't attend because he was sick in a hospital in Polokwane.

But a royal spokesman said his condition is "promising".

The ceremony started at dawn on Saturday with members of the family converging on a decorated piece of earth called Thokoleng, where a tree said to be more than 1000 years old is located.

Mphapo beer was prepared and served to a black cow named Mokgadi. Members of the royal family had to drink the Mphapo for luck and to receive the power to make rain.

The Mphapo was later poured on to Thokoleng with members of the family speaking to their ancestors. The family pleaded for rain to fall in Bolobedu. The ceremony culminated in traditional dances while waiting for the rain to fall.

Soon after the ceremony rain began to fall. Modjadjiskloof and Tzaneen received good rains.

Modjadji royal family and council spokesman Clement Modjadji said the ceremony would continue until the end of this month.