Rachel Kolisi, the former wife of Springbok rugby captain Siya Kolisi, unexpectedly stirred up chatter on social media after revealing she had switched from a luxury ride to a much more modest car.
Known for her stylish Mercedes-Benz and Land Rovers, Rachel shocked followers by announcing she was now driving an older Toyota Yaris.
This post came as a surprise because Rachel had been linked to a more glamorous lifestyle during her marriage to Siya, which ended last October.
However, she quickly deleted the Instagram post after sharing it.
Rachel’s Honest and Humble Car Post
In her brief Instagram share, Rachel poked fun at the situation, captioning the post with a candid reflection on life’s ups and downs. She wrote:
“Life has a funny way of humbling you just when you think you’ve got it all figured out.
One day you’re riding high, the next you’re asking a friend to borrow their spare car and googling ‘how to parallel park a Yaris with dignity’.”
She added a bit of humor about getting used to her “new” car, affectionately naming it Betsy and saying they’re “kind of vibing” as she masters clutch control all over again.
Social Media Reacts with Mixed Feelings About Siya and Rachel
Once Rachel’s post circulated, many South Africans took to social media — especially on X (formerly Twitter) — to weigh in, often siding with Rachel or criticizing Siya Kolisi.
Some argued Siya owed his ex-wife a comfortable lifestyle after their eight years of marriage and raising two kids together. Comments like “They have kids.
The least he could do is leave her comfortably” reflected this sentiment, with some mentioning Rachel’s support for Siya’s siblings too.
Others suspected Rachel was trying to gain sympathy or sway public opinion, saying things like, “She wants people to hate Siya, and we don’t know the full story.”
What Role Does Their Divorce Play in This Story?
Despite the public attention, details around their divorce settlement remain mostly private.
It’s unclear if assets are being divided or if they’re parting ways independently.
What is public is Rachel’s claim that she was pressured out of her CEO role at their joint charity, the Kolisi Foundation.
Rachel filed a complaint with South Africa’s CCMA (Commission for Conciliation, Mediation, and Arbitration), alleging “constructive dismissal.”
She says her working conditions became unbearable, forcing her to resign, and she’s seeking either reinstatement or compensation.
Living Arrangements and What’s Next for Rachel and Siya
Even though the split has been public, Rachel and her two children continue living in their Cape Town home along with Siya’s two siblings.
Meanwhile, Siya resides in a mansion in Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal, near where he plays for the Sharks rugby team.