Rachel Kolisi, former CEO of the Kolisi Foundation and ex-wife of Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, has officially stepped down from her leadership role amid personal and professional transformations. The announcement follows her high-profile magazine cover feature in Women’s Health SA, where she opens up about her healing journey, fitness focus, and stepping into a new chapter of her life.
ALSO READ: Rachel Kolisi’s ‘Divorce Diaries’: How She’s Embracing Healing on TikTok
Rachel Kolisi’s Exit from the Kolisi Foundation
The Kolisi Foundation, co-founded by Rachel and Siya in 2019, has been a beacon of hope in South Africa, addressing social inequalities and gender-based violence (GBV). However, as of February 28, 2025, Rachel’s departure was confirmed in a heartfelt tribute shared by Justice Desk, an NGO dedicated to GBV activism.
In their message, Justice Desk praised Rachel for her “unwavering support” and dedication to initiatives such as iNtsika yeThemba and Mbokodo programmes, which empower women and vulnerable communities.
“We are saddened to learn of her departure but confident that she will continue to do incredible things,” the organisation stated in an Instagram post.
Rachel subtly confirmed her exit by removing “CEO of Kolisi Foundation” from her Instagram bio, replacing it with “Student, Mom, Speaker, and Director”—a clear indication of her evolving aspirations.
A New Chapter: Rachel Kolisi’s Fitness and Healing Journey
With her divorce from Siya Kolisi finalized in October 2024, Rachel has embraced fitness as a form of healing. Her cover feature on Women’s Health SA—titled “Becoming Rachel: Ready for Her Next Chapter”—showcases her transformation and newfound focus on mental and physical wellness.
Rachel, a former fitness instructor, has always been passionate about health and well-being. Now, she is taking things a step further by launching her own 21-day fitness challenge in partnership with Jeff Fitness, a remote training platform.
Rachel’s Message to Women on Healing Through Fitness
Rachel has been vocal about her post-divorce recovery, frequently sharing insights and updates with her followers on Instagram and TikTok. In a recent post, she revealed that she had received thousands of messages from women experiencing heartbreak, loss, and uncertainty.
“Almost always, they ask, ‘Where did you start your healing journey?’” she wrote. “It was here. Exercising.”
Her 21-day fitness challenge, set to begin on March 10, is designed to be simple, easy, and super effective, making it accessible for women from all walks of life.
Full-Throttle Fitness: Rachel’s Intense Training Mode
Rachel has been in full training mode leading up to the launch of her fitness program. Over the weekend, she shared a video clip of her workout on Facebook, showing her dedication and commitment to this new phase of her life.
Her pivot to fitness comes as no surprise, given her previous experience in the industry. Before stepping into the philanthropy and activism space, Rachel was deeply involved in fitness, and it seems she is rediscovering her passion in a way that resonates with her personal growth journey.
What’s Next for Rachel Kolisi?
With the Kolisi Foundation chapter closed, Rachel appears to be stepping into a future focused on fitness, motivation, and self-discovery. While she remains an advocate for social change and women’s empowerment, her current journey is one of personal transformation and healing.
Her public support system remains strong, with thousands of women inspired by her ability to reinvent herself in the face of adversity. As Rachel embarks on this new path, one thing is clear—her story is just getting started.
Stay tuned as Rachel Kolisi redefines her legacy, one fitness challenge at a time.
