From the depths of despair to the heights of Mount Everest, Louisa Zondo’s journey through grief is a powerful testament to the human spirit.

In her new book, Dearest MaRiky: A Mother’s Journey through Grief, Trauma and Healing, Zondo tells the story of her life and the tragedy that threatened to break her.

25 days after her son’s death by suicide, she embarked on an expedition to Mount Everest Base Camp, seeking solace and clarity amidst the mountains.

‘I went on an expedition to Mount Everest Base Camp 25 days after my son’s death. The mountains wrapped me up in the softest blanket, clearing the path for me to decide to build on Rikhado’s legacy of loving and caring for others, especially young people.’

Through a series of letters to her cherished son and much-loved music star, Riky Rick, Zondo confronts her grief head on, delving into the trauma of her past and finding the words to express the pain of losing her son. But this is not just a story of loss. It is a story of resilience, of a mother’s unwavering love, and of a determination to honour her son’s legacy by caring for others, especially the youth of South Africa.

With honesty and palpable emotion, Zondo invites readers into her world, as she shares her struggles and triumphs as she navigates her heartache. Dearest MaRiky is a testament to the power of love to heal even the deepest wounds.

‘She courageously and compassionately breaks the silence of her own, her son’s and our country’s traumas.’ – Pregs Govender

About the author

Louisa Zondo is a lawyer and political activist who has held high-profile roles in public life. She served as Deputy Executive Director of the Constitutional Assembly during South Africa’s transition from apartheid, going on to become Chief Executive of the South African Human Rights Commission in 1996. She has subsequently moved into public and non-profit organisations, most recently as Acting Executive Director of Oxfam South Africa. Along with other members of her family, Zondo is currently involved in establishing the Riky Rick Foundation in memory of her son Rikhado Makhado who died in February 2022

Categories Non-fiction South Africa

Tags Dearest MaRiky Jacana Media Louisa Zondo Memoir New books New releases Riky Rick