Missional review of the matrifocal role of Makhadzi and of Bathsheba in their patriarchal context

Abstract

This article reviews the matrifocal role of Makhadzi and Bathsheba in the patriarchal context from a missional point of view. The role and influence of the king’s mother known as the queen mother in the Ancient Near East and the Makhadzi, the king’s aunt, in most African traditional societies is still a phenomenon. The South African legislation is silent about Makhadzi’s role, while the Bible uncovers a hint of Bathsheba’s role in 1 Kings 1 and 2. To narrate the success of the Vhavenda leadership and that of King Solomon without the respective roles and influence of the Makhadzi and Bathsheba, will remain an incomplete story. As such, the question begs an answer: what is so significant about the Makhadzi and Bathsheba, which deserves our attention? Is it relevant in our debate about the role of women within the patriarchal context we live in? In reviewing the roles and influence of the Makhadzi and Bathsheba, within the patriarchal context, this article is set to discuss three aspects from the missional perspective: firstly, the basic role of the Makhadzi, within the Vhavenda leadership; secondly, the critical role of the Makhadzi, within the South African government legislations; and thirdly, the matrifocal role of the Makhadzi in comparison with Bathsheba’s role in Israel.
Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This article adds value to an ongoing debate regarding the matrifocal role of the custom-carrier, Makhadzi, within the traditional leadership and culture of the Vhavenda tribe and that of the queen mother, Bathsheba, within Israel. Despite the challenges within their respective patriarchal context, their respective matrifocal role has an influence on the building of their respective families and communities and beyond.