Maselekwane Modjadji

Maselekwane Modjadji I
Rain Queen of Balobedu
Reign1800–1854
Coronation1800
PredecessorPosition established
SuccessorMasalanabo Modjadji
Born1782 (1782)
Mojidini, Bolobedu Kingdom
Died1854 (aged 71–72)
South African Republic Mojidini Bolobedu Kingdom , South Africa
IssueMasalanabo Modjadji
Princess Leakhali Modjadji
HouseModjadji
FatherMokoto, King of Balozwi
MotherPrincess Dzungundini

Maselekwane Modjadji I was born in 1782 and was the first Rain Queen of the South African Balobedu nation. Maselekwane reigned from 1800 to 1854. She was succeeded by Rain Queen Masalanabo Modjadji II.

The woman who became the first Modjadji was known as Maselekwane Modjadji I. She lived in complete seclusion, deep in the forest where she practiced secretive rituals to make rain. Maselekwane committed ritual suicide by ingesting poison in 1854. She was seen as an intercessor or intermediary between her people, the royal ancestors and the rain goddess.