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Balobedu | |
|---|---|
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Limpopo, Tzaneen | |
| Languages | |
| First language Khelobedu Second language English, Sepedi, and other South African Bantu Languages | |
| Religion | |
| Christianity, African traditional religion | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Sotho people, Pedi people, Venda people, Tswana people, Dhewa |
| Lobedu | |
|---|---|
| Person | Molobedu |
| People | Balobedu |
| Language | Khelobedu |
| Country | Bolobedu |
The Lobedu or Balobedu (also known as the BaLozwi or Bathobolo) are a southern African ethnic group that speak a Northern Sotho dialect. Their area is called Bolobedu. The name "balobedu" means "the mineral miners," lobela or go loba, - to mine. Their ancestors were part of the great Mapungubwe early civilization. They have their own kingdom, the Balobedu Kingdom, within the Limpopo Province of South Africa with a female ruler, the Rain Queen Modjadji.
It is estimated that there are around 1 million BaLobedu in South Africa. Their population is found in Greater Letaba Local Municipality (171 011 or 80.4% based on the 2011 census), Greater Tzaneen Local Municipality (200 000 or 46% based on the 2011 census), Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality (70 000 or 47% based on the 2011 census), Greater Giyani Local Municipality (20 000 or 6.4% based on the 2011 census), and smaller villages in Limpopo. Some are found in Gauteng province as labor migrants, especially in Tembisa and Alexandra townships.