What started as a normal day for Rachel Kolisi quickly turned into a terrifying experience when the Cape Town wildfires crept dangerously close to her home.
Rachel – known not just as the wife of rugby star Siya Kolisi but also a devoted mom and stepmom – opened up on social media about the emotional toll the blaze took on her and her family.
The wildfire, which broke out in the Tokai forest, spread fast and furiously through the nearby hills, ultimately reaching the back of the Kolisi home near the foot of Table Mountain.
With smoke in the air and flames on the horizon, Rachel and her loved ones were faced with the very real possibility of having to evacuate.
Rachel Shares Her Family’s Frightening Experience
Rachel didn’t hold back when describing just how intense the experience was.
Posting to her Instagram Stories, she painted a picture of a night filled with fear, anxiety, and zero sleep.
“We were all terrified,” she shared candidly. “I didn’t sleep because I was keeping an eye on the fire the whole night.”
The sense of panic wasn’t limited to her alone. Her two children, as well as Siya’s younger siblings, were understandably shaken.
Luckily, kind-hearted neighbours and friends stepped in to support the family during the ordeal.
Rachel admitted that she wouldn’t wish the experience on anyone.
“It’s given me a whole new perspective,” she added, reflecting on the emotional weight of the situation and the overwhelming uncertainty of that night.
Firefighters and Volunteers Step Up Just in Time
Thanks to the hard work of firefighters and community volunteers, the flames were stopped before they could do serious damage to the Kolisi home.
Rachel made it clear just how grateful she was for the brave efforts of those who responded so quickly and selflessly.
Their quick action not only protected properties but also brought a much-needed sense of relief to residents in the area, including the Kolisis, who spent the night wondering if they would need to leave everything behind.
Investigators Say Fire May Have Been Deliberately Set
While the Tokai forest fire is believed to have started under suspicious circumstances, it’s not the only incident raising alarms.
Authorities recently arrested a man accused of trying to ignite a separate fire along the Cape Peninsula.
SANParks officials confirmed that their preliminary investigation suggests the Tokai fire was started intentionally – and not just in one spot, but at three different locations.
That has understandably sparked concern across Cape Town, where residents are still recovering from the trauma of recent fires.
A Reminder of Just How Quickly Things Can Change
Rachel’s story is a powerful reminder of how fast life can turn upside down, especially when nature is involved.
It also shines a light on the importance of community – how neighbours can come together in moments of crisis to help one another, even when fear is high.
Her emotional account gave followers a glimpse into what it’s really like to have a wildfire on your doorstep – something many South Africans are, sadly, becoming more familiar with.