A modest kingdom that runs smoothly without major conflict, contestation or resentment, is thrown into a when mineral deposits are discovered on their land, and the reigning monarch’s legitimacy is questioned.
This is the setting of Mzansi Magic’s (DStv channel 161) brand new telenovela, 'The Throne', starting on Monday, 30 July at 19:00 Mondays – Thursdays.
'The Throne', which is set in a mythical BaTswana kingdom in the North West Province’s Magaliesburg region, centres on a divided royal family – with each member on a desperate quest to serve their own interest: be it ascending into the coveted seat or pursuit of freedom – avoiding customary obligation and anxiety.
At the centre of the plot lies Queen Mosadi Kwena, the current ruler and matriarch, who is tasked with finding a heir to the throne among her daughters, Kefilwe and Mosetsana. Alongside her daughters is the Queen’s brother Moseki, who also has a claim to power and weaves a plot to override rightful protocols. I
In the mix lies the wise communal sage, Sephiri is the custodian of cultural history, boundlessly loyal to the throne, she is the only person who knows who the true successor will be.
The kingdom traces its lineage back many years, to a momentous event that occurred over five generations ago.
A great Tswana king who ruled over a fertile valley discovered a cruel betrayal by his only son.
As punishment, he decided to hand over the reins of his kingdom to his beloved eldest daughter, who would become the first in a long line of queens. His furious son took some of the community with him, and founded a rival monarchy – the Morule Kingdom – that many years later still disputes Queen Mosadi’s rightful claim to the throne.
Queen Mosadi is a just and brilliant ruler. She was the first in her lineage to receive a university education, and she has put her schooling to great use. She founded a tea company in the fertile valley of Kweneng.
Kwena Tea is sold both locally and internationally, and is known to treat a multitude of ailments.
It is a herbal infusion that her great aunt introduced to her as a teenager, made from traditional herbs. Queen Mosadi realised the tea had the potential to create great wealth for her community.
The wealth has been invested in roads, in infrastructure, and in education. She rules over a peaceful kingdom, and her subjects love and adore her. But trouble is brewing in the kingdom of Kweneng.