In a dramatic turn of events, Rachel Kolisi, the former wife of Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, has lodged a complaint with the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) concerning her ‘constructive dismissal’ from the Kolisi Foundation.
This significant development marks a notable chapter in the ongoing narrative surrounding the Kolisi couple, who have made headlines for their philanthropic efforts and personal lives.
In February, The Justice Desk announced on Instagram that Rachel Kolisi would no longer serve as the CEO of Kolisi Foundation. The foundation expressed sadness over her departure but acknowledged her lasting impact as a GBV activist:
‘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.’
However, the Daily Maverick has reported, the 25 March submission to the CCMA details severe grievances, alleging unfair treatment that led to Rachel Kolisi’s resignation. According to South African labour law, ‘constructive dismissal’ occurs when an employee resigns because the employer has made continued employment intolerable.
In her complaint, Rachel Kolisi asserts that her work environment had become untenable, prompting the need for her to resign, Daily Maverick reported.
The essence of her claim highlights a rupture in the foundation’s governance, with the papers reportedly stating: “The applicant resigned because the employer acted unfairly and made continued employment intolerable.”
In seeking a remedy, Rachel is requesting either reinstatement to her position or compensation for the distress caused by the alleged constructive dismissal.
The Kolisi Foundation’s board, which includes prominent figures such as Siya Kolisi, Hannah Sadiki of Bidvest Financial Services, and Ziyanda Ntshona from Poswa Incorporated, now finds itself navigating uncharted waters in light of this dispute.
Despite the pressing nature of these developments, neither Rachel Kolisi nor the foundation has publicly commented on the CCMA proceedings as of yet.
Article written by Sibuliso Duba for Cape Town ETC.
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