Rikhado ‘Riky Rick‘ Makhado was laid to rest at a privately held funeral on Tuesday morning, and his wife Bianca Naidoo was one of the speakers who delivered a final send-off to the 34-year-old superstar.
Riky Rick funeral: Bianca Naidoo pays last respects to husband
Naidoo, her face hidden behind the veil of the white MaXhosa dress she donned, took to the podium to share her most intimate moments with her husband who, on Wednesday 23 February 2022 took his own life at their Johannesburg North home.
Observers of the funeral procession were left choking on tears when Naidoo, doing her best to contain her emotions, opened up about the depth of her love for Makhado.
“Part of my role was to help elevate and enable him to shine his light into the world, and I will continue,” Naidoo said.
The grieving mother of his two children, Jordan and Maik, reflected on the love he had for his family, describing it as “authentic and transcendent.”
“He often said that I was saving his life without realising that he too was saving mine,” she added.
Doing her best to remain composed, these were Naidoo’s parting words to Riky Rick:
“My king, my heart, my forever love, thank you for giving us all that you had to give in this lifetime. Thank you for choosing me, teaching me, and for believing in us. I will forever be grateful for the gift of you. I promise to give our children all your love and mine, to keep your memory and your light shining bright. I promise to continue fulfilling your purpose, honouring your memory and I will make sure that your legacy lives on, in your children, in your work, the whole time,” she said.
To the fans of the 34-year-old, as well as his family, Naidoo unreservedly sent her regards for the love and support she and her children have received in what’s been a tumultuous week.
“Riky would want you to remember this: It’s gotta be right, it’s gotta be good, it’s gotta be good, keep smiling for the joy,” Naidoo added.
Following the funeral procession, Riky’s body was cremated at an undisclosed location, and a privately held luncheon, in his honour, was hosted by his family at Gemelli restaurant, in Sandton, GP.