A stylish Rachel Kolisi commanded attention at the inaugural African Earthshot Week event in Cape Town on Tuesday. The philanthropist and co-founder of the Kolisi Foundation, alongside her estranged husband Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, attended the prestigious event.
The foundation, dedicated to providing educational and employment opportunities for young South Africans, shares Earthshot's commitment to sustainable change and empowering future leaders. This year's Earthshot event, the brainchild of Prince William, marked its first time in Africa.
Rachel's participation included a panel discussion within the Youth Climate Leaders Programme. The panel focused on empowering young people to lead conservation efforts – a mission deeply resonant with both Earthshot and the Kolisi Foundation. Her appearance came just weeks after the Kolisi's announced their separation on 22 October.
Their statement, released publicly, read in part: “After much reflection and open conversation, we have mutually decided to end our marriage. This decision comes from a place of love, respect, and understanding, and this is the best path forward for both of us.”
“It was very difficult. You go through many seasons in life…this one is a heavier one for me,” she admitted.
The gravity of her words hinted at underlying challenges, foreshadowing the impending separation announcement. When asked what advice she'd give her 18-year-old self, she offered a gentle, “It’s going to be okay,” a statement that starkly contrasted with the evident unease in her expression.
The family's journey, marked by significant upheaval, began with Siya's move from the Stormers to the Sharks, then to Racing 92 in Paris, before returning to the Sharks. This constant relocation, particularly their time in Paris, seems to have played a crucial role in the couple's separation. While some suggested Rachel struggled with homesickness in France – a country often challenging for foreigners – a source close to the Springbok team revealed that Siya faced even greater difficulties.
He suffered a series of injuries during his time with Racing 92; a period Racing's president, Jacky Lorenzetti, described as “harmful” to the Bok captain. Siya himself admitted to feeling “anonymous” on the field, struggling with his form and acknowledging a 5kg weight gain while sidelined. Lorenzetti's public criticism of Siya's weight further inflamed the situation, causing outrage among South African rugby fans and within the Bok camp.
"After the season I knew I wanted to come home," Siya stated. Rachel, having just settled their children into school, described the subsequent three-day packing process as a "roller coaster." A source close to the couple indicated that Siya's marital difficulties, rather than solely his professional struggles in France, were the primary reason for their return to South Africa.
"He told us he wasn’t happy in Paris. We thought it was about the food – he couldn’t get the food he liked and he couldn’t hang out with his friends back home. Rachel adapted to France better than he did," the source explained.
Further signs of strain emerged within their social circles. Rachel, previously a central figure among the wives and girlfriends of Siya's teammates, had reportedly distanced herself from the group.
“We haven’t seen her in the past three months. We assumed she was busy with the move and the kids,” the insider revealed. This absence now appears to reflect a deeper rift in their relationship.
Their story began in 2012, a stark contrast to the pressures of their later years. A chance encounter at a Stellenbosch dinner after a rugby match marked the start of their romance. Siya, then 21, was in another relationship, though he later described it as insignificant. Both hailing from the Eastern Cape – Rachel from Makhanda and Siya from Zwide near Gqeberha – their initial meeting involved a humorous anecdote.
"She thought I was rude because I didn’t greet her properly," Siya recalled in a YouTube video about their courtship. Their friendship blossomed, with Siya describing Rachel as bringing “calmness” into his life, a sentiment echoed in his autobiography, Rise. Their first official date at Cape Town's V&A Waterfront cemented their connection.
"There were many reasons why I liked her but one of the biggest reasons was because she didn’t need me. There were girls who fell over themselves because you are a professional sportsman but Rachel wasn’t one of them," Siya explained.
Rachel's unwavering support for Siya's rugby career was evident. “She went to all the games. She was always there,” the insider confirmed. News of their relationship reached Siya's previous girlfriend, who reportedly remarked, “Siya will be Siya,” hinting at his reputation for attracting attention from other women.
Their relationship progressed quickly. A year into their relationship, Rachel fell pregnant with their son, Nicholas Siyamthanda. Born prematurely at 32 weeks, Nicholas became "our miracle," as Rachel often described him. Siya, initially hesitant about settling down, ultimately embraced his responsibilities, viewing it as a "must-marry situation."
Despite their outward success, their relationship wasn't without its challenges. Siya's growing fame attracted unwanted attention, leading to several public incidents. Rachel's initial fiery responses on social media gradually gave way to a more composed approach.
"I used to let online comments upset me. I would get fiery and respond back. Now I realise I’m a mom and a CEO so I stay out of those things," she admitted.
One notable incident involved a social media confrontation with a model who claimed Siya had contacted her. Siya himself acknowledged past struggles with "temptations, sin, lifestyle choices and pornography" in his autobiography.
He also detailed financial difficulties in his early career, attributing them to excessive alcohol consumption. His commitment to Christianity, alongside Rachel, marked a turning point.
Despite the backdrop of their separation, Rachel's appearance at Earthshot Week showcased her resilience and unwavering commitment to her philanthropic work. Her stylish attire – a sleek hairstyle, a tight-fitting sleeveless top and matching black flared trousers from Gina Rae Bennett’s Style Rotate initiative, a cheeky handbag from Maira Champ, and Steve Madden shoes – demonstrated her support for sustainable fashion, aligning perfectly with the Earthshot environmental message. Her Instagram followers flooded the comments section with messages of support and praise for her stunning appearance.
Comments included:
"@myfashionandstylebook: “She’s back and banging! We’re here for it! Go you! Do you, Rach!”
@amy_the_running_chef: “Shine baby. Rise & never look back. You look gorgeous”.
@danielle_onthemove: “Love that you chose a sustainable outfit! What a queen”.
@Grace Gaobepe: “Love how every woman is so supportive. Our struggles are similar as women across culture and racial divide. We must always love and support each other. You look stunning Rachel”. ❤️
@Henda Du Plessis-Schutte: “You look absolutely gorgeous Rachel Kolisi. You deserve to be putting yourself first and to be loved. You are more precious than a diamond!♥️
@Vuyiseka Masiza Geza: Do what sets your soul on fire Rachel. We’re here for it❤️"
Rachel Kolisi's presence at Earthshot Week, amidst her personal challenges, underscored her strength and dedication to positive change, both personally and professionally.
