Springboks captain Siya Kolisi announces divorce after eight-year marriage
Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 22.10.24. | 22:00
The couple who have been married for eight years, released a statement, announcing the decision to go their separate ways
There is bad news, and then there is Siya and Rachel Kolisi’s joint Instagram post that just dropped, announcing the end of South Africa’s first couple’s marriage.
Bad news on a Tuesday evening, but there is it. Siya and Rachel have decided to part ways (in the martial sense), but both are still very much committed to their kids.
While this might be shocking for South Africa to hear, it is after all a matter between husband and wife, so take this moment to deal with it, and then give them space.
The couple who have been married for eight years, released a statement, announcing the decision to go their separate ways 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 your respect as we navigate this transition. With gratitude and love, Siya and Rachel,” the statement concluded.
The couple shares two children and are also guardians to Kolisi's younger siblings.
Siya, as the Springbok captain, led the team to a World Cup victory in 2019, while Rachel has been a vocal advocate for women's empowerment and social justice.
Siya and Rachel met in 2012 at a dinner party in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, where they quickly became friends.
Although Rachel initially saw him as just a friend, Siya was drawn to her and eventually asked her out, leading to their eventual marriage.
Siya’s young half-siblings Liyema and Liphelo also live with the family. Siya and his siblings share a mother who unfortunately passed away in 2009, causing both Liyema and Liphelo to bounce from orphanages and foster homes for years until Siya and Rachel were financially able to adopt them in 2014.
Because of Siya’s busy schedule, Rachel left behind her career as an event manager and marketing executive to become a full-time mother to their four kids.
They married on August 13, 2016, with a beautiful ceremony in Franschhoek that had many South African athletes and other notable attendees present, such as Aisha Baker. Top Billing was on hand to capture their journey to the aisle.
No matter what the future holds, the rugby fraternity has nothing but love for both of these amazing people.
