The South African rapper, singer, songwriter and  record producer, Rikhado Makhado more commonly known as Riky Rick committed suicide in 2022, once again highlighting the desperate situation of depression and the mental challenges men deal with.

South African males are three times more likely than females to attempt suicide. And South Africa now ranks among the top 10 countries at over 13 000 suicide cases per year.

Those left behind do not only have to manage the loss, but are also confronted with dealing with understanding why someone they loved would resort to such a drastic measure.

Advocate Louisa Zondo is a high-profile South African who has served in a number of top positions both in government and the private sector, including the office of the Public Protector, Sasol, South African Airways and is currently the chair of international aid organisation Oxfam South Africa’s Funding Committee. But in this instance, she was simply the mother of Riky Rick.

Coinciding with the release of her memoir Dearest MaRiky: A Mother’s Journey Through Grief, Trauma and Healing, Louisa Zondo sat down with Radio 786’s Farieda Nsoki to explain the trauma and tests associated with losing her son.