About four years after his death, Ricky Rick‘s legacy is taking root in a new way.
“Riky believed deeply in people,” says Louisa Zondo, executive director of the Riky Rick Foundation for the Promotion of Artivism.
“His greatest gift was making others feel seen, heard and worthy of their dreams. The Memorial Forest is an extension of that faith.”
These words will come to life this month when the foundation launches South Africa’s first Memorial Forest, creating a space where memory grows into something that can be seen, touched and experienced.
The Riky Rick Foundation, together with the Naledi Village Communal Property Association and Rustlers Valley Regenerative Farm and Eco Tourism, will officially launch the Riky Rick and Anton Chaka Memorial Forest on July 18 and 19 in Rustlers Valley in the Eastern Free State.
The initiative honors the lives of Riky Rick, born Rikhado Makhado, and Anton Chaka by creating a living forest that celebrates their lasting impact on South African society.
Instead of commemorating loved ones only through monuments, the project offers a different approach. Each tree planted will represent hope, healing and renewal while encouraging people to reconnect with nature, their communities and themselves.
“The Memorial Forest is an extension of that faith. Each tree planted becomes a symbol of hope and renewal, and a reminder that even after loss, life continues to grow.”
“We want this space to be one where families, young people and communities can come together to heal, reflect, create and reconnect with themselves, each other and the natural world. It’s about turning grief into growth and ensuring Riky’s legacy continues to inspire generations in a meaningful and lasting way,” said Zondo.
The two-day launch is more than a ceremonial event. Visitors will participate in memorial tree plantings, healing and reflection sessions, community storytelling, earth connection experiences and moments of remembrance.
Organizers hope these activities will stimulate conversations about mental well-being, caring for the environment and the importance of supporting each other.
The gathering will also honor the legacy of Frik Grobelaar, whose work in Rustlers Valley in the early 1980s helped support the creation of Naledi Village and contributed to the growth of the surrounding community.
For the Riky Rick Foundation, the Memorial Forest is a natural extension of its mission to promote artivism, the meeting point between creativity, activism and positive social change.
It reflects the belief that Rick’s influence extended far beyond music and continues to inspire action in areas such as mental health, youth empowerment and community building.
Rick’s brother, Sheikani Makhado, said the project reflects the values his brother carried with him throughout his life.
“Riky believed deeply in healing, even when he was struggling himself. Riky always wanted young people to feel seen, heard and valued. The dream of this forest represents the kind of space he would have loved, a place where creativity, reflection and nature come together. It reminds us that growth is possible, even after loss,” he said.
Zondo added that the project is about continuing Riky’s work through meaningful action.
“This forest is a living expression of Riky’s heart. He asked difficult questions about injustice, about inequality, about the future of humanity, especially young people.”
“Planting trees in his name is about remembering him in action, continuing the work of healing, empowering and restoring the good we may have lost or will lose. We see it as planting dignity, hope and courage for the next generation.”
During his career, Rick became much more than an award-winning musician. He was known for opening doors for young artists, financing music videos and giving emerging artists opportunities on major stages.
He founded Cotton Festivala festival that celebrates music, fashion and youth culture while helping shape a new generation of South African talent.
His message to believe in yourself and uplift others continues to resonate long after his death.
Lutho Pasiya
iol.co.za