Lobedu people

BaLobedu people
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-Tswana peoplesLozi peopleSotho peoplePedi peopleVenda peopleTswana people
Lobedu
PersonMolobedu
PeopleBalobedu
LanguageKhelobedu
CountryBolobedu

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.