In the realm of justice and the grand stage of change, resides Louisa Zondo, an extraordinary soul to engage. Louisa’s journey from serving as the Deputy Executive Director of the Constitutional Assembly during South Africa’s historic transition from apartheid to her role as the Chief Executive of the South African Human Rights Commission in 1996 is a testament to her unwavering dedication to social justice and human rights for all. Her life’s work has been at the intersection of issues which create and perpetuate poverty, inequality and exclusion. In her compelling memoir, Dearest MaRiky: A Mother’s Journey through Grief, Trauma, and Healing, Louisa exposes a deeply personal truth: amidst her tireless efforts to amplify the voices of others, she has inadvertently silenced the most crucial voice in her own life—her own. With raw honesty, she delves into the inner struggles she has faced, shedding light on the challenges of grief, trauma, and the path to healing.

Photo Credit: Mini__Photography

In the wake of the loss of the extraordinary musician, fashion trailblazer, and creative spirit, Rikhado ‘Riky Rick’ Makhado, Louisa found solace and strength in an awe-inspiring journey. She embarked on a challenging hike up Mount Everest Base Camp, a sacred space where she would unveil the narrative of her life to her beloved son—a story he had yearned for, seeking profound insights into his own identity and purpose. As she climbed higher, step by step, the mountains became witnesses to an intimate and transformative conversation between Louisa and Riky. In this remarkable journey, as Louisa and her son engaged in a conversation transcending realms, a profound transformation unfolded. It is this transformation which eventually led her to the stirring of her deepest being where decades of buried trauma surged to the surface, demanding to be acknowledged and felt. It was a transformative moment of reckoning, where pain and healing intertwined, paving the way for an unparalleled voyage of self-discovery and illumination. In the writing of this book, Louisa found the courage to confront her past, embracing her truth and embarking on a journey of profound healing and self-renewal.

Photo Credit: Louisa Zondo 

Dearest MaRiky is not just a book—it is an achingly raw and unfiltered exploration that compels readers to confront their own inner depths, their past wounds, and the impact these experiences have on their present realities. Louisa fearlessly lays bare her own journey with self-effacing fear, gender-based violence and rape, inviting readers to – in safe ways – embark on a parallel introspection of their own lives. Within its pages, we gain invaluable insights into the life of an extraordinary woman—one who has achieved remarkable accomplishments—and her profound contemplations on womanhood, motherhood, and the multifaceted nature of love. Louisa’s candid reflections serve as a mirror, compelling us to examine our own paths, encouraging self-reflection and a renewed understanding of our own capacity for growth, resilience, and ultimately, healing

Constitutional lawyer, Lwando Xaso, describes Dearest MaRiky as “a story of the bittersweetness of black womanhood and black motherhood. It is a story of how violence, in all its softest and hardest forms, can blunt the edges of black women. A story that says we do not survive the worst that life hurls at us, alone. That for black women, our survival and healing is primarily facilitated by fiercely loving, loyal and nurturing black women friendships and communities.” Whilst, André Keet, the Research Chair for Critical Studies in Higher Education Transformation and Deputy Vice Chancellor for Engagement and Transformation at Nelson Mandela University, writes that “Reading this book is not easy; a sadness rests upon it. Even so, it is a sort of love story that brims with healing possibilities. Its affective tone animates personal and political emotions, kindling an ethical obligation beyond the story itself. One that commits us all ‘to encounter all people with compassion’.  Perhaps, this is the objective of Louisa’s life-writing.”

Louisa is currently captivating audiences across South Africa with her powerful memoir. Having commenced her tour at the esteemed Franschhoek Literary Festival, she has since made her way from Johannesburg and now Durban, where her next event awaits. Mark your calendars for an engaging evening on Tuesday, the 6th of June where she will be at Ike’s Books. And on Wednesday, the 7th of June she will be at Exclusive Books, Gateway. All events are scheduled for 18:00, with the program commencing at 18:30. Join these significant conversations and immerse yourself in the depths of transformative narratives alongside Louisa and the extraordinary panellists who will accompany her.

For those in Gqeberha, be sure to mark your calendars for Friday the 9th of June, as Louisa will be bringing her book tour to Nelson Mandela University. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of these essential dialogues on healing, resilience, and the power of personal stories!

You can get a copy of the book at your local bookstore or online here: https://jacana.co.za/product/dearest-mariky/ All proceeds from the book sales will be going to the Riky Rick Foundation for the Promotion of Artivism. 

Follow Louisa Zondo on social media: 

Instagram: @LouisaZondo 

Twitter:@Louisa_Zondo 

LinkedIn: Louisa Zondo 

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