The conference theme is Heritage and Rain and it will also feature specific emphasis on a tribute to the Queen Modjaji Dynasty during the conference banquet on the evening of 30 September in the Rembrandt Hall.

“The University of Pretoria is the only University in southern Africa offering a BSc in Meteorology. The Queen Modjaji Dynasty is unique and well respected for its rain making rituals. All this comes together in some way in the historical year where the University of Pretoria is celebrating its Centenary,” says Head of the Department of Geography, Geoinformatics and Meteorology, Prof Hannes Rautenbach.

Modjadji or the "Rain Queen" is believed to be the only traditional ruling queen in southern Africa. Historically she was known as an extremely authoritative magician, able to bring rain to her friends and severe drought to enemies.

According to Prof Rautenbach, the regent, honourable Prince Mpapatla Bakhoma Modjadji who is standing in for the late Queen Modjaji will be attending the tribute celebrations. As an additional feature, a play called “Modjadji: the will of wisdom “ specifically directed by Selaelo Maredi for the event will be performed, followed by the Khekhapa Dance (rain dance) using the actual drums used in the rain-making rituals by representatives of the Balobedu area of the Limpopo Province of southern eastern Africa.

"Approximately 50 people from the Balobedu tribe are expected to attend the conference presented by SASAS in collaboration with the University of Pretoria, the Kara Heritage Institute and the South African Weather Service” concludes Prof Rautenbach.