Cape Town – In a week marked by significant personal and professional transitions, Rachel Kolisi, co-founder of the Kolisi Foundation and ex-wife of Springboks captain Siya Kolisi, has stepped down as CEO of the NGO.
Adding to the spotlight, she’s gracing the cover of Women’s Health SA magazine’s March/April 2025 “Performance Issue.”
This transition coincides with a historic tribute to Siya Kolisi himself. In late February 2025, North West University honoured the rugby star by naming named one of its residences the “Siya Kolisi Residence“, recognising his exceptional sports leadership and philanthropic legacy.
End of an Era: Rachel Exits Kolisi Foundation
Rachel’s departure from the Foundation she co-founded with Siya in 2019 was revealed through a farewell tribute by anti-GBV NGO The Justice Desk, which praised her “unwavering support” for initiatives like the iNtsika yeThemba and Mbokodo Programs. The organisation wrote: “We know she will continue to do incredible things. Rachel, you will always be a GBV activist at heart.”
The news follows the former couple’s October 2024 divorce announcement, where they emphasised co-parenting their two children and Siya’s siblings, whom they jointly raised. Rachel remains close to the family, recently celebrating Liyema Kolisi’s 23rd birthday on Instagram.
New Chapter: Wellness, Advocacy, and Honors
As Rachel steps into her “next chapter,” she graces the March/April 2025 cover of Women’s Health SA, photographed in a striking Cape Town swimsuit shoot. The feature, titled “Becoming Rachel: Ready For Her Next Chapter,” explores her refreshed approach to health and navigating personal change.
Meanwhile, Siya Kolisi’s legacy continues to grow. North West University announced it will rename a student residence the “Siya Kolisi Residence” to honour his impact on and off the rugby field.
The institution highlighted his “embodiment of resilience, unity, and service” — values mirrored in the Kolisi Foundation’s work.
Candid Reflections and Forward Momentum
Rachel has been vocal about her post-divorce journey, sharing on TikTok: “I can’t just wake up and be okay… but I know the pain now is nothing compared to the blessing ahead.”
She also teased a 21-day fitness challenge, calling it “simple, easy, and super effective.” As both Rachel and Siya forge new paths — hers in wellness and advocacy, his immortalised in academia — their shared commitment to uplifting communities remains a unifying thread.
