By Rorisang Modiba
- Rachel Kolisi told 947 Radio she had to ask for money for pads and shampoo after she left her job.
- Rachel and Siya Kolisi separated in October 2024 after eight years of marriage. Rachel says she is comfortable being single.
Rachel Kolisi has spoken about losing her financial independence after she left work to care for her family.
In an interview with Anele Mdoda on 947 Radio, she talked about motherhood, money and life after her separation from Siya Kolisi. One comment quickly went viral on social media.
“It was one of the most horrific decisions for me,” she said. “Because it meant that when I needed pads, tampons, or shampoo, I had to ask permission for money to be deposited.”
Rachel said she had always been independent and found ways to earn money from a young age. She was already selling popcorn at school when she was 11 years old.
She also spoke about life in her early twenties. At 24, she had a premature baby while helping raise Siya’s younger siblings after their mother died. The couple later adopted the children.
Siya was often away on rugby tours for months at a time. Rachel managed the household and the children mostly on her own. Eventually she resigned because balancing work and family became too difficult.
Rachel and Siya announced their separation in October 2024 after eight years of marriage.
“I’m good by myself,” she said. “I don’t think I’ve been better by myself.”
She said she does not feel pressure to find a new relationship. “I don’t think being with someone else is a sign of moving on,” she said.
Rachel said she kept the Kolisi surname mainly because her children share it, which makes travelling easier.
She shared her experiences while promoting her documentary, Falling Forward.
Pictured above: Rachel Kolisi.
Image source: @rachelkolisi
