Philanthropist and author Rachel Kolisi has opened up about a difficult period in her marriage to Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, revealing that she once had to ask for money for basic necessities after leaving her job to focus on family responsibilities.
Rachel made the revelation during a candid interview on 947 radio with media personality Anele Mdoda while discussing motherhood, financial independence and her life after separating from the rugby star.
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Reflecting on the early years of their marriage, Kolisi said leaving her job to raise their children was one of the hardest decisions she had to make.
“It was one of the most horrific decisions for me,” she said, explaining that stepping away from work meant losing the financial independence she valued.
She revealed that at the time she had to rely on her husband financially for everyday items.
“Because it meant that when I needed pads, tampons, or shampoo, I had to ask permission for money to be deposited,” Rachel said during the interview.
The comment quickly went viral on social media, sparking debate online about financial independence within relationships. However, Rachel stressed that she has always valued earning her own income.
“I’ve always been severely independent,” she said, adding that she started finding ways to make money at a young age. “From a really young age I loved earning my own money.”
Also see: ‘I choose peace’: Rachel Kolisi speaks out as Siya Kolisi goes public with new relationship
Rachel explained that her responsibilities increased significantly in her early twenties. At the age of 24 she had a newborn son, Nicholas, who was born prematurely and often required hospital care. At the same time, she and Siya took in and later adopted his younger siblings, Liyema and Liphelo, after the death of their mother.
Ex wife of Siya Kolisi, Mrs Rachel Kolisi share some of her experiences
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Rachel said the situation became overwhelming as she tried to balance work, caring for multiple children and managing a household while her husband was frequently away on rugby tours.
“Mate, you’re on tour three months at a time,” she recalled telling him. “I’m here trying to work a full-time job and take care of all the kids.”
Rachel eventually resigned from her job after her employer did not recognise Siya’s siblings as her children, meaning she could not take time off when they were sick.
Kolisi and Siya announced their separation in October 2024 after eight years of marriage, a development that surprised many South Africans who had long viewed them as a power couple.
During the interview, Rachel said she is comfortable focusing on herself and raising her children following the split.
“I’m good by myself. I don’t think I’ve been better by myself,” she said.
Her comments come as she continues travelling across South Africa hosting screenings of her documentary Falling Forward, which explores her life journey and personal challenges.
Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
First published on African Insider
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