Rachel Kolisi has confirmed that she and her children are safe following the raging wildfires that tore through parts of Cape Town’s Table Mountain National Park over the weekend. The mother of two — and estranged wife of Springboks captain Siya Kolisi — shared the emotional toll of the experience in a series of Instagram posts, calling it one of the “scariest” moments of her life.
The Tokai fires, which flared up on Sunday, 28 April, prompted evacuations in several neighbourhoods, including Zwaanswyk and Noordhoek Manor. Local councillor Carolynne Franklin described the situation as “Armageddon”, with over 100 firefighters battling five separate fire fronts under severe conditions.
‘Definitely no sleep for me today’
Rachel first alerted her followers to the fires early Sunday morning with a haunting video: her two children peacefully sleeping as a glowing blaze raged just beyond their home.
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“This is honestly one of the scariest things I’ve ever experienced,” she wrote. “Definitely no sleep for me today.”
Later, at 4:49 am, she shared another update showing the fires still burning, adding to the growing concern for residents in nearby areas.
Despite the panic and uncertainty, Rachel remained active in raising awareness, sharing emergency resources and encouraging her followers to support local firefighting efforts.
‘We are all safe, thank God’
By Sunday night, there was some relief. “We are all safe (thank God). Our home is safe,” Rachel posted on Instagram, thanking firefighters, friends and neighbours who stepped in to help.
“Exhausted, and hope I’m not speaking too soon, but I think the worst is over,” she wrote. “So grateful for our firefighters, community and especially @carliannsmithy and Dale – honestly, no way I would have managed the last 24 hours without you.”
The emotional impact was clear, as Rachel described being prepared to evacuate with her children at a moment’s notice. Social media users flooded her posts with support and prayers, calling her experience “heart-stopping” and praising her for remaining calm under pressure.
Firefighters battle on
Though the immediate threat to Rachel’s home has passed, firefighters remain on high alert. Dry weather, dense vegetation, and high winds have made it especially difficult to contain the Tokai fires.
As of the latest updates, several estates in the affected areas had been evacuated, with rescue services urging the public to avoid interfering with operations, particularly through drone use, which can hinder aerial firefighting.
A reminder of community strength
The incident has not only highlighted the intensity of Cape Town’s wildfire season but also the power of community support during a crisis. Rachel’s heartfelt messages and gratitude for those who rallied around her have resonated widely.
“You only understand how intimidating the sound and sight of the fire is when you’ve experienced it… There are far more angels surrounding your family than flames,” one follower wrote.
As cleanup begins and the fire is gradually brought under control, many residents are still processing the trauma of a weekend that shook their sense of safety. For Rachel Kolisi and her children, the experience is one they won’t soon forget — but one that also reminded them of the strength of solidarity and the courage of first responders.
First published by: Woman & Home
Words compiled by: Jade McGee
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