Rachel Kolisi Reveals Why She Will Never Change Her Surname in South Africa After Divorce from Siya Kolisi

Rachel Kolisi has made it clear she will not be changing her surname following her divorce from Springbok captain Siya Kolisi.

The author of Falling Forward spoke candidly in a Wednesday, 11 March interview with 947, addressing personal experiences and public misconceptions about her life and marriage.

Candid Reflections on Marriage

During the breakfast show with host Anele Mdoda, Rachel answered a caller’s question about whether she would drop the Kolisi name post-divorce.

With two children of her own and a history of helping raise Siya’s younger siblings, Rachel’s response was firm: “No.”

Before marrying Siya, Rachel’s maiden name was Smith, but she explained that keeping her surname is important for her children.

“My children share the same surname as me. Travelling with my children, because they are brown, is already a big challenge.

Sometimes I get stopped at the gates, and people want to double-check certain things. So it’s a big challenge,” she said.

She continued, “The amount of times I’ve been asked if those are my kids… yes, they are my kids. I am keeping my surname.”

Shutting Down Rumors

Rachel also addressed false narratives about her being a “gold-digger.”

She recounted her work history, noting that she took on multiple jobs, including working as a housekeeper at a Cape Town bed and breakfast, before and during her marriage.

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A Glimpse at Their History

Rachel and Siya first met at a dinner party in 2012 and began dating the following year.

They married in 2016, after welcoming their first child, son Nicholas.

The couple also took in Siya’s younger siblings, Liphelo and Liyema, after they were placed in an orphanage following their mother’s passing.

Their daughter Keziah was born in 2017.

After eight years of marriage, the couple announced their split in late 2024.

Addressing Siya’s New Relationship

With Siya now publicly dating Dutch influencer Rachel John, who is ten years younger, Anele Mdoda asked Rachel how she feels about another woman stepping into the role of stepmother.

Rachel kept her focus on parenting, stating, “I can only parent the best that I can, and that is my priority.

Everything else is none of my business.”

Impact and Consequences

Rachel Kolisi’s openness challenges social expectations around divorce, women’s identities, and motherhood.

By choosing to keep her surname, she highlights the importance of parental identity for children and the struggles faced by families navigating public scrutiny.

What’s Next?

Rachel is set to continue her work as an author and public speaker, using her platform to advocate for women’s independence and to address misconceptions.

She remains committed to raising her children while keeping private matters out of the public eye.

Summary

Rachel Kolisi refuses to change her surname after divorcing Siya Kolisi, citing her children’s identity and ongoing parenting responsibilities as her top priorities.

She also dismissed rumors about her character and maintained that other aspects of her ex-husband’s life are not her concern.

Bulleted Takeaways

• Rachel Kolisi confirms she will not change her surname after divorce.
• Keeping the name is important for her children, Nicholas and Keziah.
• She dismisses “gold-digger” rumors, citing her work history.
• Rachel helped raise Siya Kolisi’s younger siblings during their marriage.
• She focuses on parenting rather than her ex-husband’s new relationship.