Springbok captain Siya Kolisi and his wife, Rachel, dropped a bombshell on Tuesday evening when they jointly announced they were getting divorced after eight years of marriage.
The Kolisis tied the knot in March 2016 and have two children together: son Nicholas Siyamthanda (born 2015) and daughter Keziah (born 2017).
Since 2014 Siya Kolisi’s half-siblings, Liyema and Liphelo, children of Siya’s mother who died in 2009, have been part of the Kolisi household.
KOLISI FOUNDATION
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic in South Africa, Siya and Rachel launched the Kolisi Foundation in 2020.
The foundation aims to change the narratives of inequality in South Africa.
The focus areas of the Kolisi Foundation address the systemic issues in Gender-Based Violence, Food Insecurity and Education and Sport, with special attention paid to Zwide township where Siya Kolisi grew up, and other under-resourced areas of the country.
FULL STATEMENT
“We wanted to share some important news with you. After much reflection and open conversations, we have mutually decided to end our marriage. This decision comes from a place of love, respect, and understanding that this is the best path forward for both of us.
“While our relationship as a couple is changing, we remain great friends and committed partners in raising our children with the same love and care they’ve always known. We will also continue working together on the Foundation that means so much to us.
“We are grateful for the love, understanding, and support you’ve shown us, and we kindly ask for respect as we navigate this transition.
“With gratitude and love,
“Siya and Rachel.”
Meanwhile, Siya Kolisi was on Tuesday named in the Springboks’ end-of-year squad to tour Europe.
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