Category: news and entertainment

A big round of applause to Thembinkosi Mthembu for winning Best Actor in a TV Drama for Shaka iLembe at #SAFTAs18! 🎬🏆 #BackToBasics
Bio

Thembinkosi Mthembu is a South African actor who rose to fame with a starring role as Junior in the Mzansi Magic drama series The Republic.

He was born in the village KwaNdengezi in Durban. In 2017, he obtained a diploma in drama and production studios from the Durban University of Technology.

His first television role was recurring as the Shift Manager on the MTV Base drama series MTV Shuga: Down South 2, first appearing on Season 7, Episode 7 (which aired on 2 April, 2019).

 

 

 

 

A couple of months later he began starring in The Republic, which revolves around the fictitional president of South Africa as she fights the corruption wrought upon the country by her predecessor.

It was his first starring role in television.

The following year he was cast as Mabutho on the 1Magic soapie The River, making his first appearance in Season 3, Episode 21 (which aired on 24 February, 2020).

Initially recurring, he was promoted to starring cast for the Season 4 premiere in 2021.
Television Roles
Education

Mthembu studied for a diploma in drama and production studios from the Durban University of Technology in 2017.
Career

After receiving his diploma, he relocated to the City of Gold in Johannesburg to practice what he had learned. He got a job as a dancer at Checkers and Cell C as a dancer. He then landed a minor role as Junior in the TV series The Republic.

In 2019, he landed a recurring role as Shift Manager on the MTV ShugaL Down South 2, an MTV Base drama series. His debut, on Season 7, Episode 7, aired on 2 April.

Mthembu played Mabutho in season three of the 1Magic soap opera The River. He appeared first in season three, episode twenty-one, on 24 February 2020.

The actor started as a recurring cast but later became a starring cast for the Season 4 premiere in 2021.

However, he gained prominence for starring as Junior in the Mzansi Magic drama series The Republic. The show follows a fictional president who fights the corruption wrought upon the country by her predecessor. It was the first starring role on TV.

In 2020, he played Malusi in the short television film Ngeculo. Kwa-Zulu Natal Entertainment Awards nominated him for Best Male Actor, Male Villain, and Outstanding Newcomer for his contributions to South African television in 2020.

Personal Life

Thembinkosi Mthembu has a partner Sibulele Ndaba. He lives in Johannesburg with his daughter he had in 2019.

At first, the actor battled with finance but dreams of providing education for his daughter. He also wants to teach her to lead a life of independence and success.
Social Profile

Mthembu shares engaging posts on social media. He often posts about his current or upcoming work, family, or a time-out. He has amassed a massive follower base. He also posts about his daughter, who he says he can’t sleep thinking about.

On 7 July, he posted a framed picture of his daughter on Instagram to inform followers of her birthday.
Show

Character

Adulting – Season 1

Bonga

Champions – Season 1

Sanele “Ferrari” Zulu

MTV Shuga – Season 7 (Down South 2)

Shift Manager (as Brian Mthembu)

Outlaws – Season 1

Bandile Biyela

Shaka iLembe – Season 1

Dingiswayo

The Republic – Season 1

Junior (as Thembinkosi Brian Mthembu)

The River – Season 3

Mabutho

The River – Season 4

Mabutho

The River – Season 5

Mabutho

The River – Season 6

Mabutho

IT was a night of glitz, glamour, and record wins at the 18th annual South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs).

The event dazzled on Saturday evening, 26 October, at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand.

The star-studded event celebrated excellence in South African film and television, honouring the best creative talent in the industry.

 

 

 

 

 

 
The biggest winner of the evening was Shaka iLembe, a sweeping historical drama, which scooped an incredible 12 awards, including Best TV Drama.

Following closely behind, Netflix’s Yoh! Christmas and Showmax’s Outlaws both earned eight Golden Horns each, cementing their success in second place.

ALSO READ: Moonchild joins the world of football!

The event, held over two nights, 25 and 26 OctobeR, saw both the craft and main awards ceremonies reveal an exciting mix of productions.The wins were dominated by MultiChoice and M-Net’s stable of TV channels on DStv, which took home a total of 46 awards.
SAFTAs 2024, Shaka iLembe, Netflix, Yoh! Christmas
Zikhona Sodlaka won Best Actress in a Telenovela for Gqeberha: The Empire. Photo by Sibongumenzi Sibiya

Nomsa Philiso, MultiChoice’s CEO for general entertainment, expressed her pride in the accomplishments of the winners.

“This weekend highlighted the rich diversity and powerful storytelling that our creative industry offers viewers. As the leading investor in local content across Africa, MultiChoice is dedicated to supporting and expanding the continent’s film and television landscape,” she said.
SAFTAs 2024, Shaka iLembe, Netflix, Yoh! Christmas
Skeem Saam production team receiving Best TV Soap. Photo by Sibongumenzi Sibiya

Some of the SAFTAs 2024 highlights included:

Best Competition Reality Show: Kokkedoor: Vuur & Vlam (kykNET)
Best Structured Soapie Reality Show: Young, Famous & African S2 (Netflix)
Best Online Content: The Adventures of Noko Mashaba – Struggles of SA Youth (YouTube/Facebook)
Best Current Affairs Programme: Checkpoint (eNCA)Best International Format: The Masked Singer SA (SABC3)
Best Entertainment Programme: Koppestamp (kykNET)
Best Variety Show: Sport@10 (SABC1)
Leading the pack in the feature film category was The Fragile King, which won Best Feature Film,
Best Actress Antoinette Louw, and Best Achievement in Directing for Tristan Holmes to further cement its place in the history of South African cinema

Jacob Zuma’s baby mama Laconco pictured at last night’s SAFTAs Red Carpet. She also won an award for Best Presenter by public vote. #SAFTAs
#Kurrently

 

 

 

 

Laconco Biography – Nonkanyiso Conco, popularly known as Laconco, is a renowned South African personality who is celebrated for her work as a Vuma FM presenter and philanthropist. She is also an advocate for preserving Zulu traditions. Her rise to fame and the headlines she has made over the years have been captivating and inspiring. This biography looks into Laconco’s life, covering her age, child, new body, husband, real name, weight loss journey, son, boyfriend, and Instagram presence.Who is Laconco?

Nonkanyiso Conco, better known as Laconco, is a prominent media figure and philanthropist from South Africa. She gained significant attention as a presenter at Vuma FM and has been an active campaigner for preserving Zulu traditions. Her relationship with ex-South African President Jacob Zuma thrust her into the limelight, primarily because of their significant 52-year age difference.
Laconco Husband: Jacob Zuma

Laconco made headlines in 2018 when she got engaged to Jacob Zuma, the former President of South Africa. Their relationship was a subject of public interest not only because of Zuma’s political stature but also due to the 52-year age difference. Despite the initial engagement, reports suggest that their relationship has since ended. During her appearance on the “Real Housewives of Durban” (RHOD), Laconco openly discussed the dynamics of her relationship with Zuma and shared some surprising details about their breakup.

RELATED POST – Jacob Zuma Biography: Age, Educational Qualification, Salary, Net Worth, Children

Laconco Real Name

Laconco’s real name is Nonkanyiso Conco. She is affectionately known by her stage name, which has become synonymous with her vibrant personality and media presence.
READ ALSO – Bayo Onanuga Biography: Wife, Age, Phone Number, Appointment, Twitter
Laconco Age

As of now, Laconco is 33 years old. She has achieved a great deal in her relatively young life, from her career in radio to her philanthropic efforts and role on RHOD.
Laconco Child

In April 2018, Laconco revealed the gender of her baby—a boy named Sakhaumuzi. Her son’s birth was a significant milestone in her life, adding another dimension to her public persona.
Laconco on Real Housewives of Durban

Laconco joined the cast of the Real Housewives of Durban (RHOD), where she quickly became a fan favorite. Her candidness about her life, especially her relationship with Jacob Zuma, captivated the audience. She shared intimate details about her experiences and challenges, making her one of the most talked-about cast members.
Laconco New Body
Laconco New Body
LaConco confirms that her new body is all thanks to liposuction
Is Laconco Still Married to Zuma?

Laconco’s relationship with Jacob Zuma has been a topic of much speculation. Although they were engaged and had a son together, reports emerged that their relationship had ended. During her time on RHOD, Laconco confirmed the split and provided insights into what led to the end of their engagement.
Laconco Weight Loss Journey

Laconco’s weight loss journey has been remarkable, showcasing her dedication to personal health and well-being. Her transformation is not just physical but also emotional and mental. She has been open about her challenges and steps to achieve her new body. This journey has inspired many of her followers and has become a significant part of her public persona.
Laconco Instagram

Laconco is quite active on Instagram, sharing snippets of her life with her followers. Her handle, @_laconco, is a window into her world, featuring everything from personal moments to professional highlights. Her posts reflect her vibrant personality and her commitment to her fans.

The late Mpho Sebeng won Best Supporting Actor in a Telenovela for his role on ‘The Estate.South Africa’s most expensive TV show to date earned its hefty price tag with the first season of Shaka iLembe, which won 12 awards at the 18th South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs), while Netflix’s Yoh!, Christmas and Showmax’s Outlaws both netted eight Golden Horns each in second place.

Over the two-night craft and main awards ceremonies on Friday and Saturday night – again held at Gallagher Estate in Midrand, Johannesburg – MultiChoice and M-Net’s set of TV channels on DStv scooped 46 wins in total.

 

 

 

 

 

Amazon Prime Video surprisingly grabbed seven trophies, five of which were for The Fragile King, also winning Best Feature Film. The wins are both painful and ironic since Amazon Studios shocked and dismayed the local film industry when it abruptly decided to exit South African original production earlier this year.

The SABC won 12 categories for various content on the South African public broadcaster. eMedia’s e.tv won just four categories, although it included a second consecutive year’s win for Ochre Media’s Scandal! in the most popular soap category, which is a public vote.

The 18th SAFTAs primarily belonged to three shows: MultiChoice and M-Net’s first season of the Shaka iLembe drama series from Bomb Shelter seen on Mzansi Magic, Netflix South Africa’s Yoh!, Christmas comedy series from BBZEE Films, as well as the Outlaws telenovela on Showmax from Tshedza Pictures.

Shaka iLembe won 12 categories, including Best TV Drama.
Best TV Drama winner Shaka iLembe. (Supplied/Spany
Best TV Drama winner Shaka iLembe. (Supplied/Spanya Ndala)

Nomsa Philiso, MultiChoice CEO for general entertainment, said: “This weekend highlighted the rich diversity and powerful storytelling that our creative industry offers viewers. As the leading investor in local content across Africa, MultiChoice is dedicated to supporting and expanding the continent’s film and television landscape. Congratulations to all the winners and to the teams who poured their talent and hard work into bringing these stories to life.”

Zikhona Sodlaka. (Supplied/Andile Mthembu)Meanwhile, Yoh!, Christmas pushed kykNET’s Taktiek (with just one win) out of the way to grab eight Golden Horns, including for Best TV comedy. Outlaws won eight awards, including for Best Telenovela.

SABC1’s Skeem Saam won Best TV soap, while Best Documentary went to !Aitsa. The late Mpho Sebeng won Best Supporting Actor in a telenovela for his role in SABC3’s The Estate.

The SAFTAs awarded Lifetime achiever awards to Generations creator Mfundi Vundla and actor and sculptor Arthur Molepo.

Lebogang Mogoera, acting CEO of the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), said the SAFTAs is “immensely proud of the calibre of talent showcased this year and the hard work of all those involved in bringing these stories to life”.

“A big thank you to our long-standing broadcast partners MultiChoice and SABC, whose support enabled us to bring the awards to all South Africans.”
See the full list of winners here:

BEST COMPETITION REALITY SHOW

Kokkedoor: Vuur & Vlam | Homebrew Films, kykNET

BEST STRUCTURED SOAPIE REALITY SHOW

Young, Famous and African S2 | Urban Brew Studios & A Pop Media, Netflix

BEST ONLINE CONTENT

The Adventures of Noko Mashaba – Struggles of SA Youth | Rams Comics, YouTube/Facebook

BEST CURRENT AFFAIRS PROGRAMME

Checkpoint | eNCA

BEST INTERNATIONAL FORMAT

The Masked Singer SA | Rose and Oaks Media, SABC3
Best International Format winner The Masked Singer
Best International Format winner The Masked Singer. (Supplied/Andile Mthembu)

BEST ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMME

Koppestamp | Just Ad Production, kykNET

BEST VARIETY SHOW

Sport@10 | SABC Sport, SABC1

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN SCRIPTWRITING – FEATURE FILM

The Fragile King | Tristan Holmes, The Ergo Company, Amazon Prime Video

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A TV SOAP

Marlee van der Merwe (Binnelanders) | Stark Films, kykNET

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A TV SOAP

Kabelo Thai (Scandal!) | Ochre Media, e.tv

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A TELENOVELA

Mmarona Motsegoa (Redemption) | Burnt Onion Productions & Seriti Films, BET Africa

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A TELENOVELA

Mpho Sebeng (The Estate) | Clive Morris Productions, SABC3

BEST ACTRESS IN A TV SOAP

Elizabeth Serunye (Skeem Saam) | Peu, SABC1

BEST ACTOR IN A TV SOAP

Germandt Geldenhuys (Binnelanders) | Stark Films, kykNET

BEST ACTRESS IN A TELENOVELA

Zikhona Sodlaka (Gqeberha – The Empire) | Tshedza Pictures, Mzansi MagicBEST ACTOR IN A TELENOVELA

Presley Chweneyagae (The River) |Tshedza Pictures, 1Magic

BEST TV SOAP

Skeem Saam | Peu, SABC1

BEST TELENOVELA

Outlaws | Tshedza Pictures, Showmax

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A TV DRAMA

Natasha Sutherland (Lioness S2) | Ochre Media ADO Arena Holdings, M-Net

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A TV DRAMA

Nat Ramabulana (Fatal Seduction) | Ochre Media ADO Arena Holdings, Netflix

BEST ACTRESS IN A TV DRAMA

Shannon Esra (Lioness S2) | Ochre Media ADO Arena Holdings, M-Net

BEST ACTOR IN A TV DRAMA

Thembinkosi Mthembu (Shaka iLembe) | Bomb Shelter, Mzansi Magic
Best Actor in a TV Drama winner Thembinkosi Mthemb
Best Actor in a TV Drama winner Thembinkosi Mthembu. (Supplied/Andile Mthembu)
Best Actress in a TV Drama winner Shannon Esra. (S

Sindiswa Dlathu (born January 4, 1974)[1] is a South A🇿🇦frican actress and musician. She is well known for portraying Thandaza[2] Mokoena on Muvhango, a role she played from the show’s inception in 1997 until her departure in 2017.
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2020
Dlathu left Muvhango to play a leading role in the telenovela The River, where she plays the role of Lindiwe Dlamini-Dikana, a fierce woman who would do anything to protect her wealth and maintain her lavish lifestyle.
Career
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Dlathu was cast as the lead role’s understudy in the stage version of Sarafina!. In the screen version, she worked alongside Whoopi Goldberg and was commissioned as an assistant choreographer to Michael Peters. In 1988, with the second cast led by Seipati Sothoane whom Sindi understudied. When the play went on tour, she stayed behind and did Township fever in 1989–1990 touring the US with the play for a year.
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Dlathu then returned to school after four years of being with Mbongeni Ngema’s committed artists. She completed her matric in 1996, and then went back to performing arts, stage plays in 1997 she was in the FNB Vita Award-winning Game, where she performed with Mary Twala, Abigail Kubeka, and the late Nomhle Nkonyeni.
She won the award for favourite actress at the 2020 DStv Mzansi Viewers’ Choice Awards.
Dlathu, as Lindiwe Dlamini-Dikana from The River, appeared in a crossover episode of The Queen as the friend of the lead female character, Harriet Khoza – Sebata.
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In 2021, she won SAFTA award in Best Actress category for her role of Lindiwe in The River.

Sicelo Buthelezi opens up about his Skeem Saam character.

SKEEM Saam actor Sicelo “Seekay” Buthelezi is not worried about people’s perceptions of him.

He’s more focused on his character development than the storyline.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Sicelo, who joined the popular SABC1 telenovela earlier this year, made his debut on 2 April playing Tobias (Toby) Maswahla, a bad boy university student.

His journey on the show begins after he’s expelled from school in Joburg for misbehaviour, forcing him to relocate to Turfloop.

Recently, Sicelo’s character was involved in a sensitive plot addressing rape and consent, alongside Lethabo Mekoa, who plays Ntswaki Rathoka.

In the storyline, Toby is sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment for raping his girlfriend, Ntswaki and the whole storyline divided TV viewers across Mzansi.

Speaking to Daily Sun, the 25-year-old Thembisa-born actor said since he landed the role at the beginning of the year, he made it clear to himself that his focus would be on building the character.

“Creating this character and making it different from what I’m known for is my main focus. While I understood the gravity and intensity of the storyline, my attention, as an actor, was solely on shaping the character,” Sicelo said.

He said his training at the Market Theatre taught him how to separate himself from the characters he portrays.

“I graduated from the Market Theatre, and they did an excellent job in teaching us how to put on a character and take it off when needed. Thanks to that training, I don’t have to worry about bringing a character home with me. When I’m at work, I know what I need to do, and when I’m home, I leave the character behind,” he said.

He further explained that without any training, he felt actors should know how to distinguish their real selves from the characters they portray.

“It doesn’t have to be so deep that you carry the character’s burden beyond the set. At the end of the day, it’s just acting.”

In addition to his acting career, Sicelo revealed that he’s also working on new music, and fans can expect new releases from him soon.

South African musicians Makhadzi and Babes Wodumo have smoked the peace pipe following their tiff in 2021.
MAKHADZI AND BABES WODUMO RELEASE A SONG TOGETHER

The two artists are said to have reconciled following their public feud, during which Babes claimed that the Limpopo star was pursuing her late husband, Mandla “Mampintsha” Maphumulo.

Last week, Babes Wodumo took to social media to endorse Makhadzi’s new album, Miracle Child, which features a collaboration with her. She urged her fans to download the song and mentioned the importance of forgiveness in the caption.

 
“There is nothing more important than forgiveness, especially when we’re women,” she said.
FROM ENEMIES TO FRIENDS

Makhadzi’s manager, Maphuti “Perez” Mothapo, told TshisaLIVE that talented artists have become friends and collaborated on a new song and music video.

“Babes Wodumo is featured Not Available. Makhadzi went to Babes Wodumo’s home in Durban and they recorded the song. Babes came to Johannesburg to shoot the music video. All I know is they worked well together on the song and it’s a hit,” Mothapo said.
INSIDE BABES AND MAKHADZI’S FEUD

In 2021, Makhadzi became a trending topic on Twitter following Babes Wodumo’s viral Instagram Live video in which she accused her of pursuing her husband.

The Matorokisi hitmaker addressed the claims on Instagram Live. In the video, she said that Babes should have respected her decision to remain silent about an incident that transpired at their studio.

Makhadzi said that Babes was opposed to Mampintsha collaborating with her and they had a fight at the studio.

She even said that it was not her responsibility that Mampintsha couldn’t control himself in her presence.

Rachel and Siya Kolisi’s divorce has seen social media unearth skeletons from the Springbok captain’s past. And one included his 2019 DMs drama with influencer and fitness model, Marike Botha.SIYA KOLISI SLID INTO MY DMS’

Before jetting off to Japan ahead of the 2019 Rugby World Cup, Siya Kolisi would make headlines for all the wrong reasons.

 

 

 
In March of that year, the Springbok’s wife, Rachel, trended on social media after she named and shamed Marike Botha, whom she accused of “sliding” into his DMs.

“Just wondering what her a** is doing in my husband’s DMs?” she shared alongside a pic of the woman wearing a thong.

She added: “In case you haven’t heard, I don’t like being disrespected.”

“My face is so red because I am so angry. But I just want to finish off this situation saying this, that the days of women having to take sh*t and deal with sand do nothing about it – are over!”

According to Marike, Rachel jumped to the wrong conclusion.

She shared in a series of Instagram Stories. “Siya Kolisi slid into my DM’s. Sends me the post that I posted on IG. His wife sees this and makes it look like I’m sending him my a**. The post is on my IG!”.

According to Marike, Siya approached her about wearing one of his favourite swimwear and underwear brands, Franklees.

Marike then demanded an apology from Rachel after she claimed she was “slut-shamed” by the public. She also alleged that she had received alarming threats and had to utilise a bodyguard.Rachel – who deleted her Twitter account and temporarily disabled her Instagram – did not respond to social media storm.
WHERE IS MARIKE BOTHA NOW?

Fast forward to 2024, and Marike Botha has managed to stay out of the spotlight. She’s also had several new personal life milestones, including getting married to a software engineer named Len Van Zyl.

Last year, the fitness star welcomed a baby boy. Earlier this year, she revealed she was expecting her second child, a baby girl.

On Tuesday, 22 October, South Africa’s beloved couple, Siya and Rachel Kolisi, shocked fans by announcing their separation and impending divorce. The news was shared through a joint statement on their Instagram accounts, leaving many fans and followers around the world stunned and speculating about the reasons behind the split.

Following the announcement, Rachel Kolisi notably updated her Instagram bio, removing the title of “wife,” which many have taken as a confirmation of the couple’s plans to part ways.A Love Story and Family Legacy

Siya and Rachel Kolisi’s love story began in 2012. They married years later and have since welcomed two children, Nicholas and Keziah, into their family. The Kolisis also adopted Siya’s younger siblings, Liyema and Liphelo, showcasing their commitment to family values.
The Kolisi Fortune: Millions at Stake?

 

 

 

 

 

The couple’s high-profile separation has brought their multimillion-rand fortune under the spotlight. Siya, renowned for his successful career as the Springboks captain, has built a substantial net worth through contracts and endorsement deals. He is one of the highest-paid rugby players in South Africa and internationally. Rachel, too, has amassed wealth through her own business ventures and projects, which she reportedly manages independently.
Properties and Lifestyle

Their lifestyle has long attracted attention, with reports of luxury homes and a notable car collection. Allegedly, the Kolisis own two mansions in South Africa, one in Cape Town and another on the Dolphin Coast in KwaZulu-Natal. Recently, exclusive photos of their lavish home in Ballito surfaced, sparking renewed interest in their real estate holdings. The Cape Town mansion, however, remains shrouded in mystery, as the couple has neither confirmed nor denied its ownership.
Flashiest Rides in the Kolisi Garage

Siya’s car collection, which reportedly includes a Range Rover Sport, two Mercedes-Benz SUVs, and a G-Wagon, has been a talking point, particularly as he serves as an ambassador for Mercedes-Benz South Africa. Rachel, meanwhile, has been seen in a Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 and GLC Coupe, adding to their impressive collection.

In the past, the couple made headlines over rumors of their car fleet being worth R20 million, which they later dismissed as false.
Navigating the Spotlight

Throughout their marriage, Siya and Rachel Kolisi maintained a mostly private life despite their public status, a choice they may continue as they navigate this difficult time. The news of their divorce has left fans with lingering questions, and all eyes remain on how the couple will handle their high-profile split.

Rachel Kolisi has officially removed “wife” from her Instagram bio, and for many, this comes as a sign that her marriage to Springbok captain Siya Kolisi is, indeed, over.

 

 

 

 

 

 

South Africa’s favourite couple announced that they had separated and were awaiting a divorce. What led to the shock announcement is unclear.

RACHEL KOLISI DROPS ‘WIFE’ FROM IG BIO
On her Instagram account, her followers were quick to point out that Rachel Kolisi’s bio now reads: “Student, Mom, Speaker and Director.” The glaring omission of “wife” was a bitter pill to swallow for many fans of the couple.Siya Kolisi was a busy man in 2019, even off the field 👀
Rachel called out Marike Botha, thinking she was a thirsty baddie out to get her hubby at the height of his career.
The fitness guru clapped back and has since moved on with her life while Rachel and Siya are headed for splitsville.Siya and Rachel Kolisi made a life-changing decision early in their marriage when they chose to adopt Siya’s two younger siblings, Liphelo and Liyema. At the time, their own first child was just three months old, yet they embraced the challenge of raising four children together. Since Rachel was 24 years old, the couple had been raising their biological children alongside their adopted family.
However, after eight years of marriage, the Kolisis announced their divorce yesterday, bringing an emotional end to a partnership that had inspired millions across the country and the world at large.
The news has left the whole country sad and heartbroken as the family’s journey had touched countless hearts.