Imagine a 200-year-old dynasty ruled exclusively by women suddenly facing collapse because of a bitter royal custody battle. That is the explosive story at the heart of 6 Kings and 6 Queens, a gripping documentary exploring power, tradition, politics and the future of Africa’s only matrilineal monarchy, the Balobedu Rain Queens.

Filmmaker Molatelo Bossman spoke to Mpho Sithole and takes viewers inside one of South Africa’s most fascinating and deeply contested royal stories.

Imagine a 200-year-old dynasty ruled exclusively by women suddenly facing collapse because of a bitter royal custody battle. That is the explosive story at the heart of 6 Kings and 6 Queens, a gripping documentary exploring power, tradition, politics and the future of Africa&rsquo;s only matrilineal monarchy, the Balobedu Rain Queens.
Filmmaker Molatelo Bossman spoke to Mpho Sithole and takes viewers inside one of South Africa&rsquo;s most fascinating and deeply contested royal stories.

An English news and current affairs wrap with a fresh take on the day’s top stories, hosted by the seasoned journalist Tsepiso Makwetla.

An English news and current affairs wrap with a fresh take on the day&rsquo;s top stories, hosted by the seasoned journalist Tsepiso Makwetla.

Africa Hour

Africa World Hour 

Documentary unpacks Africa’s only matrilineal monarchy, the Balobedu Rain Queens

David Djumbe, a long-serving personal assistant to Tundu Lissu for more than 15 years, has worked at the centre of Tanzania’s political landscape, a role that has exposed him to both its responsibilities and risks. On the night of May 20, 2025, he survived a shocking abduction attempt just metres from his home.

According to accounts, a group of six to eight men, some identifying themselves as police officers, intercepted the vehicle he was travelling in, forcibly removed him, and drove off at high speed. The situation escalated as local motorcycle riders pursued the abductors, leading to a chaotic confrontation during which gunshots were fired. Amid the confusion, Djumbe managed to escape and fled into nearby swampy bushland, where he hid for hours before eventually finding safety.

His experience raises serious concerns about security, accountability, and the safety of individuals connected to political figures. It also highlights the resilience required to survive such an ordeal. He spoke to Mpho Sithole about his experience.

David Djumbe, a long-serving personal assistant to Tundu Lissu for more than 15 years, has worked at the centre of Tanzania&rsquo;s political landscape, a role that has exposed him to both its responsibilities and risks. On the night of May 20, 2025, he survived a shocking abduction attempt just metres from his home.
According to accounts, a group of six to eight men, some identifying themselves as police officers, intercepted the vehicle he was travelling in, forcibly removed him, and drove off at high speed. The situation escalated as local motorcycle riders pursued the abductors, leading to a chaotic confrontation during which gunshots were fired. Amid the confusion, Djumbe managed to escape and fled into nearby swampy bushland, where he hid for hours before eventually finding safety.
His experience raises serious concerns about security, accountability, and the safety of individuals connected to political figures. It also highlights the resilience required to survive such an ordeal. He spoke to Mpho Sithole about his experience.

Personal assistant to Tanzania’s Tundu Lissu abducted just metres from his home

Rwanda is positioning itself as a premium tea producer as the country develops a new strategy for the sector, with support from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations. The strategy aims to improve tea quality, increase exports, and strengthen the livelihoods of thousands of smallholder farmers facing climate challenges, rising fertiliser costs, and growing regional competition.

Tea is Rwanda’s second-largest agricultural export after coffee, with more than 100 000 people involved in the value chain. Our Reporter, Lebogang Mabange, has more.

Rwanda is positioning itself as a premium tea producer as the country develops a new strategy for the sector, with support from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations. The strategy aims to improve tea quality, increase exports, and strengthen the livelihoods of thousands of smallholder farmers facing climate challenges, rising fertiliser costs, and growing regional competition.
Tea is Rwanda&rsquo;s second-largest agricultural export after coffee, with more than 100 000 people involved in the value chain. Our Reporter, Lebogang Mabange, has more.

Rwanda positioning itself as a premium tea producer

As Africa moves towards a more inclusive, knowledge-driven future, access to quality education remains critical. The Global Goals 2030: Africa Scholarship is expanding opportunities for learners across the continent to pursue accredited programmes through leading institutions.

Delivered in partnership with the Graduate Institute of Financial Sciences (GIFS) and the Umlambo Foundation, founded by former United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, the initiative supports the United Nations’ goal of quality education for all. With applications open from May 15 to June 30, 2026, the scholarship is more than financial aid; it is helping to reshape access to education across Africa.

Mpho Sithole spoke to Kershen Pillay, CEO of GIFS, about how this initiative is transforming Africa’s education landscape, unlocking talent, and advancing the vision of lifelong learning in a rapidly evolving global economy.

As Africa moves towards a more inclusive, knowledge-driven future, access to quality education remains critical. The Global Goals 2030: Africa Scholarship is expanding opportunities for learners across the continent to pursue accredited programmes through leading institutions.
Delivered in partnership with the Graduate Institute of Financial Sciences (GIFS) and the Umlambo Foundation, founded by former United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, the initiative supports the United Nations&rsquo; goal of quality education for all. With applications open from May 15 to June 30, 2026, the scholarship is more than financial aid; it is helping to reshape access to education across Africa.
Mpho Sithole spoke to Kershen Pillay, CEO of GIFS, about how this initiative is transforming Africa&rsquo;s education landscape, unlocking talent, and advancing the vision of lifelong learning in a rapidly evolving global economy.

Documentary unpacks Africa’s only matrilineal monarchy, the Balobedu Rain Queens

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