Rachel Kolisi Reveals Asking Siya for Money for Pads Early in Their Relationship

Rachel Kolisi has shared how she became financially dependent on her ex-husband, Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, during the early days of their relationship.

The former model and entrepreneur opened up about the personal sacrifices she made to support her family in her new memoir, Falling Forward. She spoke about the moment her life shifted from independence to financial vulnerability.

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A video of her interview on Anele and the Club on 947, shared today on TikTok and Instagram by @947joburg, highlighted her journey.

Rachel recalled a time with a former boss who didn’t recognise the needs of her children. She revealed that she had to give up her independence to care for her firstborn son, Nicholas, as well as Siya’s siblings, Liyema and Liphelo, whom she had taken in.

She said, “I went back to work I had the most horrific time with my boss at the time who wouldn’t recognise Liyema and Liphelo as my children so when they were sick she wouldn’t let me stay home.”

With Siya away on tour for months, Rachel decided to quit her job. “It was one of the most horrific decisions for me. Because it meant when I needed pads, tampons, shampoo, I had to ask permission [from Siya] for money to be deposited,” she said.

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Falling Forward was officially released in South Africa on March 12, 2026. Early copies were available at the Falling Forward National Roadshow, which visited Makhanda on March 4 and Gqeberha on March 5.

The Falling Forward Instagram page shared, “Geberha, you showed up in the most incredible way. The second stop of the Falling Forward roadshow was completely sold out, with over 700 people filling the BoardWalk Hotel room with energy, connection and the kind of atmosphere that only happens when a community gathers with open hearts.”

The roadshow will continue in Johannesburg at The Chosen Venue and Durban at Grace Church. The Johannesburg event already took place on March 11, 2026.