Rachel Kolisi says working at a BnB helped her regain independence

For many South Africans, the name Rachel Kolisi is closely linked to philanthropy, advocacy work and her long-time partnership with Springbok captain Siya Kolisi.

But in a candid radio interview that has since sparked widespread conversation online, Rachel shared a lesser-known chapter of her life — one where she was simply trying to earn her own money again.

Speaking to Anele Mdoda on 947 Radio, Rachel revealed that she once worked at a small BnB, making beds and preparing breakfast for guests while searching for stable work.

The conversation, which took place as she promoted her upcoming book and documentary Falling Forward, quickly went viral on social media — with many South Africans praising her honesty.

From job applications to making beds

Rachel explained that the period came after her son Nicholas started attending school.

For years, she had stayed home to care for him because he suffered from underdeveloped lungs as a child and could not attend crèche.

Once he was finally able to start school, Rachel said she felt ready to return to work — but the job hunt proved harder than expected.

“I started applying as a receptionist, anything,” she shared during the interview. “I just wanted my own money again.”

Eventually, the only opportunity she could find was at a BnB.

“So I was making beds, making breakfast and dealing with very interesting guests,” she said with a laugh.

The moment, she explained, wasn’t glamorous — but it was meaningful.

The difficult decision that came before it

Her story also sheds light on a painful decision she had previously made.

Rachel said leaving her job earlier in her life was “horrific” because it meant losing financial independence. She stepped away from work in order to care not only for Nicholas, but also for Siya’s younger siblings, Liyema and Liphelo.

The reality that followed was something many women quietly experience but rarely discuss publicly.

Without her own income, she sometimes had to ask for permission for money to be transferred when she needed basic essentials.

“When I needed pads, tampons, shampoo, I had to ask permission,” she said.

A moment that sparked social media debate

A clip from the interview began circulating widely on TikTok shortly after it aired.

The snippet — particularly the part where Rachel spoke about asking for money for everyday necessities — quickly gained traction, with many South Africans weighing in.

Some social media users praised her openness about financial dependency within relationships, saying it’s an issue that many women face but few speak about publicly.

Others shared their own experiences of leaving careers to support family responsibilities — a reality that remains common in many households.

Life after the Kolisi split

Rachel’s interview comes nearly two years after she and Siya Kolisi announced their separation in October 2024, ending an eight-year marriage.

The couple share two children together — Nicholas, now 11, and Keziah, 9 — and their family life was often visible to South Africans through charity initiatives and public appearances.

Since the split, Rachel has focused on personal projects, including speaking engagements, advocacy work and the upcoming book and documentary Falling Forward, which explores resilience and personal growth.

A story many South Africans relate to

While Rachel Kolisi may be known for her public platform, the story she shared resonates with many ordinary South Africans.

Across the country, thousands of people juggle caregiving responsibilities, job searches and the challenge of rebuilding financial independence.

Her BnB job might not have been part of the public narrative before now — but it reflects a reality familiar to many: sometimes the path forward begins with simply taking the opportunity that’s available.

And for Rachel, that meant making beds, serving breakfast and quietly rebuilding a sense of independence.