Family and friends of the late Riky Rick Makhado gathered at a private venue in Johannesburg today to give Boss Zonke an incredible send off. Taking to the podium as well was Bianca Naidoo, his wife, who brought many to tears. But another speaker really gave a very touching tribute and had people praying for him as well.
For those who might have not known, Riky Rick was also partner to Mzansi's freshest barbershop called Legend's Barber and his business partner, and friend, Sheldon Tatchell gave a moving speech.
The founder of Legend's Barber, Sheldon, tapped into his memory box and spoke about the memory he shares with Riky Rick and how they slowly became business partners.
The very first time they met, was when Sheldon gave Riky Rick a haircut and the rest became history.
“Our relationship started when Riky gave me a call and requested that I come over to his house and give him a haircut. We immediately bonded. We spoke and spoke about a lot of things."
Sheldon then said Riky Rick would often say the words "It's too much Shel" and he did not know what that could have meant. But then he got the gist of things and understood his lingo.
"Our relationship grew stronger with every visit everyone that knows Riky they know the kind of love he shares and whenever he does something he does it whole heartedly. The brother hood transcended into being business partners and I always knew that I could get the most valuable honest advice from him," he said fighting back his tears.
Sheldon said he could talk to Riky about anything because of the nature of their friendship.
"Because he believed in my dreams and business goals, I could talk to him about anything, even if it was sports and intimate family things we might go through.”
Then Sheldon revealed that he gave Riky Rick his very last haircut yesterday, “I was honoured yesterday to give him his last haircut. It was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do in my life. I miss hearing the sound of his voice saying 'It's too much Shel!' but that voice will ever be engraved in my mind as I move forward and continue his legacy. I love you Rikhado.”
Bianca Naidoo also said a few touching words about her husband and late plans, "Today I am here to pay tribute to my partner, my soul mate. When I think about nine years together, here are the things I am mostly grateful for. Our journey as parents started at the beginning of our relationship. He was an amazing father to Jordan. They had the most incredible bond from day one. She brought softness to his life
"Our children taught Riky and I the importance of family values. He loved teaching them new things, he wanted them to always be open to new experiences.. He always wanted them to stretch their thinking, expand their horizons . He took a keen interest in their hobbies and passions. He loved them deeply, he was their protector,” she said.
Riky helped Bianca break out from her shell, “As a partner he always encouraged me to come out of my shell and to allow myself to step into the light and conquer my shyness, he wanted me to shine. I was put in his life to love him, to care for him and to help him on a journey to fulfill part of his purpose. Ours was deep and pure love.”
