According to reports, Rachel Kolisi has stepped down as CEO of the Kolisi Foundation, marking the end of her leadership at the charitable organisation she co-founded with her estranged husband, Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, in 2019.
The Justice Desk, an anti-gender-based violence NGO, was the first to acknowledge Rachel’s departure, praising her contributions to key programs in a post on social media. The caption read:
“This morning, we had the privilege of joining fellow GBV organisations to surprise Rachel with a heartfelt farewell. Her unwavering support for our work, especially through the iNtsika yeThemba and Mbokodo Programs, has been truly impactful.”
The statement goes on to address Rachel’s alleged departure from the foundation:
“We were saddened to hear that she will no longer be CEO of the Kolisi Foundation, but we know she will continue to do incredible things. Rachel, you will always be a GBV activist at heart, and your impact will be felt for years to come.”
Rachel responded to their message with gratitude, writing, “Love and appreciate you all so much.”
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While the foundation has not issued an official statement, Rachel’s exit comes amid her ongoing divorce from Siya, which the couple publicly announced in October 2024.
The pair share two children, Nicholas and Keziah, and have also raised Siya’s younger siblings, Liyema and Liphelo.
Rachel has been candid about the emotional challenges of parenting through the separation, recently sharing that she is taking things “one hour at a time.”
Despite her departure from the foundation, she is expected to continue her advocacy work in various capacities.
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Feature Image: Getty
