Author and director Rachel Kolisi, who was married to Springboks captain Siya Kolisi, opened up about the challenges of motherhood and healing, in a sit-down interview on The Anele Podcast – Her & Now, hosted by Anele Mgudlwa.
RACHEL KOLISI: ‘THE TESTS ARE HARD’
Author and director Rachel Kolisi discussed parenting and identity alongside host Anele Mgudlwa and broadcaster Cindy Poluta. She expressed that navigating motherhood in 2026 is a learning experience and the tests are hard, but lessons are even harder.
“Navigating motherhood in 2026 is a constant learning experience,” she said.
“The tests are hard, and the lessons can be even harder,” she continued.
Rachel also talked about financial dependence in relationships and how this leads to women sometimes having to stay in abusive relationships.
“The amount of women remaining in abusive relationships because they do not have financial independence is outstanding,” she said.
“If I’ve got a platform, it’s an incredible opportunity to bring that conversation to the forefront,” she continued.
Rachel, who was married to Springboks captain for eight years before announcing their split, encouraged women to prioritise their wellbeing.
“Every single one of us is entitled to joy. We’re entitled to softness. We’re entitled to peace…I’ve really just taken it on, that it’s my portion,” she added.
MOTHERHOOD
Rachel and Siya have two children together – Nicholas (11) and Keziah (8). Siya and Rachel also legally adopted his two siblings Liyema and Liphelo, when they were younger back in 2014. Siya shares a mother with his two siblings, who tragically passed away.
The siblings were orphaned following the passing of their mother in 2009 and spent years in foster care before Siya located them and brought them into his home.
The adoption was a major milestone for the family, with Rachel stepping into a primary parenting role at just 24 years old while simultaneously welcoming their first born Nicholas. The Kolisis raised the four children together until Siya and Rachel announced their divorce in October 2024.
Siya has since moved on with 25-year-old influencer Rachel John.