Rachel Kolisi, wife of Springbok rugby captain Siya Kolisi, took to Instagram on Sunday, wishing her South African followers happy celebrations for Heritage Day.
The Kolisi family has found their new home in Paris, as Siya prepares to join the French rugby team – Racing 92 – after his last appearance on the field as Captain of the Springboks in 2023’s World Cup Games.
In her post on Instagram, Rachel writes:
“Hope it was a beautiful day in SA celebrating Heritage Day. Few more weeks till we’re altogether again.”
Rachel and Siya started their family in 2014, when they adopted Siya’s two half-siblings, Liyema and Liphelo, after the siblings had spent time in orphanages and foster care after their mother died in 2009.
In 2015, the couple had their first biological son, Nicholas Siyamthanda. In 2016, the couple tied the knot and in 2021, the couple welcomed their second biological child, Keziah.
Rachel has always been involved with Siya’s family, who proudly boast Xhosa as their South African heritage. Previously, the couple have shared glimpses of family gatherings and from what we can tell, Rachel is always committed to honouring Xhosa traditions with the family.
In December last year, Siya took to Instagram sharing a family picture after his baby brother Liyema’s initiation process. In the photograph, the family – Rachel included – is seen sporting traditional Xhosa garb, gathered around the young man. Siya’s post read:
“@rachelkolisi wenza kakhulu [is doing a lot], honestly we wouldn’t be where we are as a family without you! Thank you, Mariri.”
Rachel also took to Instagram honouring Liyema’s initiation, writing:
“Halala!!!! Yabuya indodana, sho ta Yema! ” in translation meaning that Liyema has now become a man and returned from the bush/initiation.
In her post made on Heritage Day, Rachel added that it’s only a few more weeks until the family reunites again – plans of when and where this will happen have not yet been revealed.
Compiled by: Savanna Douglas
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