Rachel Kolisi, the former wife of Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, has taken legal action against the Kolisi Foundation, alleging she was forced out of her position as CEO. According to MDN News, she has filed a case with the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation, and Arbitration (CCMA), alleging she was unfairly dismissed from the organisation she co-founded with Siya in 2019.
The Kolisi Foundation focuses on tackling social inequality, education, and gender-based violence. Rachel reportedly stepped down as CEO around the time of the Rugby World Cup final in 2023. However, recent legal documents suggest her departure was not voluntary.
According to the filings submitted to the CCMA on March 25, 2025, Rachel argues that the foundation’s board made her working environment “intolerable,” leading to what is known in South African labor law as “constructive dismissal.” This means she felt forced to resign due to unbearable conditions. She is now seeking either to be reinstated in her position or to receive compensation.
This legal dispute comes months after Rachel and Siya announced their divorce in October 2024. Some reports suggest that tensions may have developed due to Rachel’s social media activity during the split. However, the foundation’s board has not publicly commented on the situation.
Rachel played a major role in shaping and leading the foundation, making her departure a significant moment for the organisation. Her case has gained a lot of public attention, given the Kolisi family’s high profile and the foundation’s impact on South African communities.
The Kolisi Foundation has not yet issued an official response to Rachel’s claims. The CCMA will now review the evidence and decide on the matter.
Rachel Kolisi takes Kolisi Foundation to CCMA over dismissal
Rachel Kolisi, the former wife of Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, has reportedly filed a complaint with South Africa’s Commission for Conciliation, Mediation, and Arbitration (CCMA), alleging she was forced out of her… pic.twitter.com/oB55JjsloT
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) March 29, 2025
