Oct 23, 2024

Siya Kolisi and wife Rachel divorces

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi and his wife Rachel have made headlines by announcing their divorce after over a decade together. The couple shared the news via a joint statement on Instagram, confirming that their decision to part ways was mutual and based on "love, respect, and understanding." Despite this shift in their personal relationship, they emphasized that their focus remains on co-parenting their children and continuing their work together through the Kolisi Foundation.

Siya Kolisi, who recently led the Springboks to victory in the 2023 Rugby World Cup, and Rachel met in 2012 and married in 2016. Their relationship has been a source of public admiration, with their shared commitment to family and social causes often in the spotlight. They have two children together and also care for Siya’s siblings, whom Rachel helped raise following the death of Siya’s mother.

Their divorce comes as a surprise to many, particularly given the couple's strong public persona and the various challenges they have faced together. Rachel, known for her candid social media presence, often opened up about the pressures of fame, family life, and the work she and Siya do through their foundation. The Kolisis have inspired many through their dedication to uplifting underprivileged communities in South Africa.

Their announcement is significant not only because of their celebrity status but also because of the cultural importance of Siya Kolisi. As the first black captain of the Springboks, he has become an icon in South African sports, symbolizing unity and transformation. His rise from a difficult upbringing in Zwide township to leading the national team to World Cup victories in 2019 and 2023 has made him a global figure of inspiration. The couple’s work through the Kolisi Foundation, focusing on social justice, healthcare, and education, reflects their shared passion for making a difference.

The couple's statement asked for privacy as they navigate this personal transition, while reaffirming their commitment to raising their children with the same love and care as before. This announcement is likely to have a broad social and cultural impact in South Africa, where the Kolisis have been role models for many.

Their decision to part ways seems grounded in mutual respect and a continued partnership for their children and charitable endeavors, marking a new chapter for both of them.

Hashtags that might be relevant for this story include #SiyaKolisi, #RachelKolisi, #KolisiFoundation, #Springboks, #RugbyWorldCup, and #SouthAfrica.

For further updates on this story, you can follow their respective Instagram accounts, where they initially shared the announcement​

The Kolisi Legacy: Siya and Rachel’s Journey of Love, Family, and Nation-Building

In a surprising announcement, Springbok captain Siya Kolisi and his wife, Rachel Kolisi, confirmed on social media that they would be parting ways after more than a decade together. The couple, known for their commitment to family and charitable work, shared that their decision to divorce was made "from a place of love, respect, and understanding." Although their relationship is changing, they emphasized that they remain devoted to co-parenting their children and continuing their impactful work with the Kolisi Foundation.

A Journey Rooted in Resilience: Siya Kolisi's Background

Born in 1991 in Zwide, a township outside of Port Elizabeth (now Gqeberha), Siya Kolisi had a tough upbringing. He grew up in extreme poverty, and from an early age, he learned resilience. His mother, Phakama Kolisi, played a significant role in his life, but she tragically passed away when Siya was just 15 years old. Raised primarily by his grandmother after his mother's death, Siya faced the added responsibility of caring for his younger siblings, Liyema and Liphelo​

Despite the hardships, Kolisi found a lifeline in rugby. His talent was spotted early, leading him to a rugby scholarship at Grey High School in Port Elizabeth, a school known for nurturing top South African sports talent. This opportunity drastically changed his life trajectory, allowing him to focus on his education and rugby development. By 2012, at the age of 21, he debuted for the Stormers, a professional rugby team in Cape Town, where he quickly rose through the ranks​

Rachel Kolisi: The Woman Behind the Man

While Siya’s background tells a story of overcoming adversity, Rachel Smith (now Kolisi) had a very different upbringing. Born in Grahamstown (now Makhanda) in 1990, Rachel grew up in a middle-class family. She attended Stirling High School in East London and later pursued a career in marketing. Rachel had her own aspirations and was known for her fiery personality and strong opinions. When she met Siya in 2012 at a dinner after a rugby match at Newlands Stadium, their lives changed forever​

The two quickly became inseparable, and by 2016, they were married in a stunning ceremony at the Molenvliet Wine Estate in Stellenbosch, surrounded by friends, family, and Siya’s rugby teammates, including the well-known Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira​

Building a Family

The Kolisis’ family dynamic became one of their most admired qualities. They have two children together: Nicholas (born 2015) and Keziah (born 2017). In addition to their own children, Siya and Rachel adopted Siya’s siblings, Liyema and Liphelo, following their mother’s death. Rachel, in particular, has spoken openly about how taking on the responsibility of raising Siya’s siblings at the age of 24 changed her life. The Kolisi family, now a unit of six, became a symbol of love, compassion, and unity​

.As public figures, the Kolisis didn’t shy away from sharing glimpses of their personal life. Rachel often posted about the challenges of raising four children and managing the pressures of public life, while also working with Siya to make a tangible difference in South African society. The Kolisi family became a model of togetherness, and their journey inspired millions of South Africans.

The Rise of Siya Kolisi: Captaincy and Influence

In 2018, Siya Kolisi made history as the first black captain of the Springboks, South Africa’s national rugby team. His appointment was a significant moment in South Africa, where sports have often been marred by racial tensions stemming from the country’s apartheid past. Kolisi’s leadership on and off the field united the country in ways that transcended rugby.

Under his captaincy, the Springboks won the 2019 Rugby World Cup, with Siya lifting the coveted Webb Ellis Cup in Yokohama, Japan. The image of Kolisi celebrating with his multiracial teammates became one of the most iconic moments in sports history, symbolizing hope, unity, and the progress South Africa had made in overcoming its divided past.

Kolisi’s impact as a leader is not limited to his rugby prowess. He has also become a global ambassador for South African culture and sports, advocating for equality and using his platform to address social justice issues. His story of rising from poverty to become one of the most recognizable athletes in the world has resonated globally, especially in marginalized communities​

.The Kolisi Foundation: A Legacy of Giving Back

In 2020, Siya and Rachel co-founded the Kolisi Foundation, a charitable organization aimed at addressing inequality in South Africa. The foundation focuses on three key areas: food security, education, and gender-based violence. The Kolisis have been vocal about their desire to give back, often stating that they are committed to making South Africa a better place for all its citizens.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Kolisi Foundation was instrumental in delivering food parcels to underprivileged communities. The foundation’s efforts received widespread recognition, with many praising Siya and Rachel for using their platform to enact real change.

Despite the personal challenges they have faced, including the pressures of raising a family in the public eye and managing the complexities of celebrity, the Kolisis have remained steadfast in their mission to help those less fortunate. Their foundation continues to play a crucial role in uplifting communities across South Africa.

Life in the Public Eye

Living in the spotlight has not always been easy for Siya and Rachel Kolisi. As a high-profile interracial couple, they have often faced public scrutiny. Rachel, in particular, has been candid about the challenges she has faced, including online abuse and criticism from the media. In response, Rachel has become an outspoken advocate against cyberbullying, often using her social media platforms to address the impact of negative comments on mental health.

Their move to Paris in early 2024, following Siya’s signing with Racing 92, was another significant chapter in their lives. Relocating to France was seen as an opportunity for the family to experience a new culture and for Siya to take his rugby career to the next level. However, their time in France was short-lived, with Siya returning to the Sharks in Durban in September 2024. This decision was motivated by Siya’s desire to focus on his national career and play in a fourth Rugby World Cup in 2027​

The Announcement of Divorce

After years of building what many perceived as an unbreakable bond, the Kolisis' announcement of divorce in October 2024 came as a shock to their fans and supporters. In their joint statement, they reiterated their commitment to their children and their continued partnership in running the Kolisi Foundation. Their message was clear: while their relationship as a couple may be ending, their dedication to their family and charitable work remains unchanged.

The announcement of their separation has garnered widespread attention, with many South Africans expressing their support for the couple during this difficult time. Social media has been filled with messages of love and encouragement for Siya and Rachel, with fans highlighting the positive impact they have made both as individuals and as a couple​

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A New Chapter

As Siya and Rachel Kolisi embark on this new chapter in their lives, their influence on South African society remains undeniable. Siya continues to lead the Springboks with distinction, while Rachel remains actively involved in the Kolisi Foundation and various philanthropic efforts. Their commitment to social justice and improving the lives of the less fortunate will undoubtedly continue to inspire others.

Although the end of their marriage marks a significant personal change, the legacy they have built together, both on and off the rugby field, will endure. Their story is one of love, resilience, and dedication to a greater cause – a legacy that will live on through their children, their foundation, and the countless lives they have touched.

In closing, Siya and Rachel Kolisi’s relationship has been much more than a romantic partnership. It has been a symbol of hope, unity, and the potential to create positive change in the world. As they navigate this personal transition, their contributions to society, their unwavering love for their children, and their ongoing efforts to uplift communities will remain the cornerstones of their shared legacy.

Relevant Hashtags:

#SiyaKolisi #RachelKolisi #KolisiFoundation #Springboks #RugbyWorldCup #SouthAfrica #FamilyFirst #KolisiDivorce #LoveAndRespect #Charity #SocialJustice #Inspiratio