The legacy of the late South African music icon Riky Rick will continue to inspire future generations through a unique environmental initiative launching this July.
The Riky Rick Foundation for the Promotion of Artivism, together with the Naledi Village Communal Property Association and Rustlers Valley Regenerative Farm and Eco-Tourism, will officially launch the Riky Rick/Anton Chaka Memorial Forest on 18 and 19 July 2026 in the Eastern Free State.
Rather than creating a traditional monument, the initiative will establish a living forest where every tree planted symbolises remembrance, resilience and hope. Organisers say the project aims to create a space where nature, memory and community come together while encouraging conversations around mental wellbeing, environmental restoration and collective responsibility.
A legacy rooted in growth
The two-day launch will take place at Rustlers Valley, a destination recognised for its commitment to sustainability, regenerative farming and ecological conservation.
Visitors will have the opportunity to participate in a range of activities designed to promote healing and connection, including:
- Memorial tree planting
- Healing and reflection sessions
- Community storytelling
- Earth connection activities
- Ceremonial moments of remembrance and restoration
The programme will also honour the legacy of Frik Grobelaar, whose work at Rustlers Valley during the early 1980s contributed to the establishment of Naledi Village and supported community development in the region.
Continuing Riky Rick’s legacy
For the Riky Rick Foundation, the Memorial Forest expands its mission of promoting artivism, the intersection of creativity, activism and social change, while extending Riky Rick’s influence beyond music.
“Riky believed deeply in people,” said 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 belief. Every tree planted becomes a symbol of hope, renewal and the reminder that even after loss, life continues to grow.”
She added that the Foundation hopes the space will become a place where families, young people and communities can gather to heal, reflect, create and reconnect with one another and with nature.
A space for future generations
Organisers believe the Memorial Forest represents a different way of remembering those who have shaped South African society.
As the forest grows, it is expected to become a destination for annual commemorations, environmental education, community engagement and cultural storytelling, while also highlighting the importance of protecting natural spaces and supporting mental wellbeing.
The launch is expected to attract artists, conservationists, mental health advocates, community leaders and supporters whose lives have been touched by the work of both Riky Rick and Anton Chaka.
Why this matters
While the Memorial Forest will be established in the Eastern Free State, its message of healing, environmental responsibility and community connection is one that resonates with South Africans across the country. The project offers a meaningful reminder that lasting legacies are not only remembered through monuments, but can continue to grow through living landscapes that benefit future generations.
The Riky Rick/Anton Chaka Memorial Forest officially launches on 18 and 19 July 2026 at Rustlers Valley Regenerative Farm and Eco-Tourism in the Eastern Free State.
For more information, visit the Riky Rick Foundation website or follow the Foundation and Rustlers Valley on social media.
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