In a recent joint statement, South African rugby star Siyamthanda Kolisi and his wife Rachel Kolisi announced their divorce, leaving the nation in a state of disbelief and nostalgia for what many considered a modern-day fairy tale.
“The news of Siya and Rachel’s separation has left South Africa heartbroken,” remarked a local resident, reflecting a widespread sentiment echoed across social media platforms. The couple’s split quickly became a trending topic among South African news outlets and drew attention from international media, including the BBC.
At 33 years old, Siyamthanda Kolisi made history as the first black captain of the Springboks, South Africa’s national rugby team. He is recognized as a superstar in the sport, having led the Springboks to victory in the Rugby World Cups of 2019 and 2023. South Africa has a storied tradition in rugby, boasting four World Cup titles, with the 1995 championship viewed as a seminal moment in the nation’s journey toward racial reconciliation.
Kolisi married Rachel, a white South African, in 2016. Their union was celebrated in the media as a symbol of the nation’s aspirations, representing a harmonious blending of cultures. Together, they founded the Kolisi Foundation in 2020 with a mission to combat inequality in South Africa, aiming to drive systemic change through sports and education while addressing issues like gender-based violence and food security.
Rachel continues to serve as the CEO of the Kolisi Foundation. In their joint statement, they emphasized their commitment to working together for the foundation, which holds great significance for both of them.
