Jozi Journeys
Words That Heal: Sandton City and the Riky Rick Foundation Unite for Youth Mental Health
A New Chapter for Hope and Healing
What started as a simple call to share words of encouragement has grown into one of South Africa’s most heartfelt mental health initiatives. This October, Sandton City and the Riky Rick Foundation have returned with the second phase of their campaign, Words That Heal, proving that art and empathy can go hand in hand in changing how we talk about mental health.
The project, launched during Mental Health Month, first invited South Africans to submit short voice notes of encouragement, messages they wished someone struggling could hear. Those recordings have now been transformed into something deeply moving: a hip-hop track titled “Words That Heal,” featuring the unmistakable voice of the late Riky Rick.
The song has been available from 10 October 2025 on all streaming platforms and social media. It’s not just a tribute; it’s a conversation starter. Through rhythm and rhyme, it reminds listeners that they are never alone and that community remains one of the strongest antidotes to despair.
When Art Becomes Action
The release of the song marks the next step in what Sandton City calls “artivism,” the meeting point of art and activism that Riky Rick himself so passionately lived. The campaign’s evolution from spoken words to a national soundscape captures the emotional power of creative expression in tackling one of South Africa’s most pressing social challenges: youth mental health.
To bring this spirit to life, Sandton City has unveiled an immersive pop-up experience on the upper level next to BOSS. Designed in collaboration with celebrated visual artist Samurai Farai, the pop-up space features limited-edition T-shirts, hoodies, and scarves, each carrying messages of healing and resilience.
All proceeds go directly to the Riky Rick Foundation, supporting programmes that help young people access mental health resources and creative outlets. Visitors can also make digital pledges at rikyrickfoundation.co.za/pledges to contribute to nationwide mental health initiatives.
A Movement That Lives Beyond October
While the campaign’s roots are in Mental Health Month, its message is designed to last all year. In a country where open conversations about mental wellness are still met with stigma, Words That Heal turns compassion into community.
The campaign builds on Riky Rick’s enduring legacy, not just as a musician but as a man who urged others to “stay shining” through life’s hardest moments. His foundation continues that mission, using creativity as a form of healing and connection.
For Sandton City, this partnership represents something bigger than corporate social responsibility. It’s about using one of Johannesburg’s most iconic spaces to remind people that help, hope, and healing are never too far away.
When: Song available from 10 October. Pop-up opens from Sunday, 9 November 2025
Where: Sandton City, 83 Rivonia Rd, Sandhurst, Sandton
Web: sandtoncity.com | rikyrickfoundation.org
Instagram: @sandtoncitymall | @rikyrickfoundation
Also read: Your Joburg Weekend Guide: 24–26 October 2025
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Source: What’s On In Joburg
Featured Image: HYPE Magazine
