Riky Rick Foundation launches 'Words that heal' campaign to encourage mental health activism

JOHANNESBURG - With mental health challenges affecting over 60% of young South Africans, the Riky Rick Foundation has introduced a campaign that turns words into tools of healing and connection.

The Riky Rick Foundation, in partnership with Sandton City, has launched a mental health initiative called “Words That Heal” to encourage artivism. The campaign aims to inspire South Africans to share messages of healing and hope while sparking much-needed conversations about mental health.

As part of the initiative, the Riky Rick Foundation is raising funds to provide free therapy for young people. Messages submitted will also contribute to a curated “song of hope,” set to be released on streaming platforms later this year.

Speaking to EWN, Bianca Naidoo, wife of the late Riky Rick  said: "This campaign is deeply personal to me because it’s rooted in the same values and energy that Riky, stood for. He was always intentional about using his words and his music to uplift, to inspire, and to connect with people on a real level. ‘Words That Heal’ feels like an extension of that mission. A way to remind people that what we say has the power to build, to comfort, and to create change,".

The iconic rapper, producer and hip-hop artist Rikhado "Riky Rick" Makhado lost his fight with mental illness on February 23, 2022, after winning hearts for decades.

Naidoo stated that she hoped people would walk away from this experience feeling the true power of words.

"We live in a time where so much of what we hear and see can be heavy, so creating a space filled with kindness, hope, and encouragement is something I believe we all need," said Naidoo.

She also said that for her, it’s also about sparking self-reflection and encouraging people to think about the words they speak to themselves and to others.