The nation was deeply saddened yesterday as Siya and Rachel Kolisi, one of the nation’s most loved couples, announced their decision to divorce. Rachel took to Instagram to announce that she and Siya, the Springbok captain and national icon, had mutually agreed to end their marriage. In her post, she wrote, “This decision comes from a place of love, respect, and understanding that this is the best path forward for both of us. While our relationship as a couple is changing, we remain great friends and committed partners in raising our children with the same love and care they’ve always known.”

The announcement of the couple’s divorce prompted a wave of emotional reactions on Twitter, with media personalities and  many fans expressing their disbelief and sadness. Ashraf Garda tweeted: “the Kolisi’s Siya and Rachel Kolisi getting divorced is not a post  I would’ve liked to have read about. Some fans expressed how they felt a personal loss following this announcement.

Other fans also expressed how they hope the couple can reconcile, with some people retweeting their wedding video.

Siya and Rachel Kolisi’s love story has been a beautiful  journey filled with deep love, support, and overcoming challenges. The two met in 2012 ,Siya proposed to Rachel in an unforgettable way, taking her on a helicopter ride over Cape Town, setting the stage for their engagement. In 2016, they tied the knot in a beautiful Franschhoek ceremony, surrounded by family, friends, and prominent figures. Over the years, their relationship has won the hearts of many, with fans admiring the couple for their love for each other.

Together, they have two children, Nicholas Siyamthanda and Keziah, and have also adopted Siya’s younger siblings, Liyema and Liphelo, following the death of Siya’s mother. Rachel, left her career to focus on raising their four children.

Their love story wasn’t without its challenges, as Rachel often spoke about the racial abuse they faced and the strain that Siya’s high-profile career placed on their relationship. Rechel became known for her outspoken nature on social media, where she defended their marriage from public interference. In response to a woman saying Siya was her type, Rachel tweeted,”Siya is not ‘a type’. He’s a married man responsible for four children. Just a side note. I’ve been there for all the good times. But I’ve also been there for ALL the bad times. Honestly, this should go without saying. Respect my relationship and woman to woman. Respect me.”

Despite the racial and societal pressures that came with being in the public eye, the couple celebrated milestones together, such as their seventh wedding anniversary, where Siya humorously shared memories of their early days, recalling how much they had both grown. 

Throughout their marriage, they have been admired not only for their personal bond but also for their efforts to give back to South Africa through the Kolisi Foundation, which they founded together. This foundation works to address the inequalities  in the country.

Their decision to divorce comes as a shock to many who admired their relationship, in their joint statement the couple appreciated the love and support they have received and asked for privacy as they navigate through this new transition in their lives.