Inside the Kolisi marriage: The two sides to Siya
In a revealing video from the documentary Rise: The Siya Kolisi Story, Rachel Kolisi opened up about her struggles with her husband’s “two sides.” “It’s like there were two other people. It was Siya, and then there was a horrible Siya. I was full on ready for a divorce. I was done, done, done,” she shared. This stark admission highlights the internal conflicts that plagued their eight-year marriage.
Siya’s documentary footage also exposes his past struggles, including heavy drinking and reckless behaviour. In his book, he acknowledges the turning point in 2019 when Rachel urged him to seek mentorship from Ben Schoeman, who confronted him about his lifestyle: “Siya, you drink a lot, you fool around with women, you go to strip clubs. You post on social media about your faith in Christ, but you’re lying to yourself and everyone else.”
Rachel and Siya Kolisi’s relationship began at a dinner party in Stellenbosch in 2012 and culminated in their wedding on August 13, 2016. Over the years, the couple became a symbol of unity and strength, but they also faced challenges. In a recent interview, Siya admitted, “I had to go to marriage counselling because I couldn’t give everything to my wife; because my heart was so hard and I didn’t know how to speak.”
Social Media divided: Team Rachel vs. Team Siya
Reactions to the divorce have polarised fans online, with many choosing sides. Comments ranged from those supporting Rachel’s candidness to those questioning Siya’s innocence. One user remarked, “‘Horrible Siya’… that’s harsh. You can never blame one person when a marriage fails.” Others defended Siya, suggesting that Rachel’s revelations came too late.
Amid the turmoil, Rachel Kolisi took to social media to express gratitude for the support she has received. “This is so hard. I have genuinely been overwhelmed by kindness and love, and I’m so grateful. Fully committed to my healing journey. Peace is my portion,” she wrote, showcasing her resilience during this challenging time.
The Kolisis: Journey of love and learning
In their joint statement, the couple acknowledged their growth apart, saying, “We’ve grown apart, and our journey has taken us in different directions. We’ll always cherish the memories and lessons shared.” Their story, which began with passion and promise, serves as a reminder of the complexities of love and the importance of individual growth.
As Rachel and Siya move forward, the public will continue to watch their journeys unfold, hoping for healing and peace for both parties.