Rachel Kolisi Faces Emotional and Environmental Challenges Amid Table Mountain Fires
As devastating fires ripped through parts of Table Mountain National Park over the weekend, Rachel Kolisi, the estranged wife of Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, found herself in the midst of a different kind of storm—both environmental and emotional.
On Sunday, Rachel took to Instagram to share alarming images of the fire approaching dangerously close to her Tokai home in Cape Town. “We are all safe (thank God), our home is safe. So grateful for our firefighters, community, and SPECIALLY @carliannsmithy and Dale – honestly no way I would have managed the last 24 hours without you,” she wrote, visibly shaken but thankful.
Rachel, who recently separated from Siya Kolisi after more than a decade together, has been slowly rebuilding her life amidst the painful end of her marriage. The Kolisis were once seen as the golden couple of South African sport and philanthropy, rising together in the public eye as Siya led the Springboks to Rugby World Cup victory in 2019.
However, behind the scenes, cracks in the relationship grew over time, leading to a quiet separation earlier this year. While the details remain private, Rachel has shown strength in navigating this new chapter, often sharing candid and vulnerable moments with her followers.
This past weekend, however, that strength was put to the test in a terrifying manner. A fire broke out on Friday afternoon along the slopes of Table Mountain and quickly spread across Lower and Upper Tokai in Cape Town, resulting in emergency evacuations and sleepless nights for residents.
By Monday, SANParks confirmed that approximately 3,000 hectares of vegetation had been destroyed. Rachel described the experience as physically and emotionally draining. “Exhausted, and hope I’m not speaking too soon, but I think the worst is over,” she wrote, her words reflecting not only the devastation caused by the fire but also the emotional weight she has carried in recent months.
Despite the challenges, Rachel continues to show resilience. From ensuring the safety of her children during the fire to voicing her support for local heroes, she has become a symbol of quiet strength during turbulent times.
SANParks resumed aerial water bombing operations at first light on Monday, with flare-ups still being reported in areas like Boyes Drive and Chapman’s Peak, moving towards Hout Bay. Authorities remain on high alert as the community comes together to deal with the aftermath of the fires.
As Rachel faces both environmental and emotional challenges, her courage and resilience shine through, inspiring others to navigate their own storms with grace and strength.
