Cape Town — Rachel Kolisi’s brother, Joel Smith, praised his sister for the way she stepped up to raise her “four children” – including ex-husband Siya Kolisi’s siblings.
Rachel and Siya have two children together, Nicholas (10) and Keziah (7). However, in 2014. Siya adopted his siblings – Liyema and Liphelo – after they were placed in an orphanage following the death of their mother in 2009.
The siblings settled into the Kolisi family nicely and were spotted on holidays and vacations. This happened after Rachel and Siya split in October last year as Rachel took Liyema on a vacation to Australia, while Siya took all the kids to Zimbabwe.
In an Instagram post, Rachel revealed the difficulties she experienced on her first Valentine’s Day since her split from Siya. She felt the pressure of the day and said she hoped never to experience the heartache she went through during her split.
“We do love every day anyway. But this Valentine’s Day I made a brave decision and it broke my heart all over again. Parenting when the world feels like it’s crumbling around you is a different kind of challenge. And one I hope I’ll never have to experience at this level again,” she said.
“Never been more grateful for the very few who showed up to support and lean in this week, especially. One day at a time felt too big this week so I just did one hour at a time and it kinda helped – I made it to Saturday!” she added.
View this post on Instagram.
Rachel received a ton of support from family and friends in the comments section, including her brother Joel, who said the four children were lucky to have her.
“All four of those kids are very, very lucky to have. You” he said.
“I commend you…for sharing this makes us not feel alone in the struggle. You are amazing,” @candy_stout said.
“I love how you healing loudly cz you suffered a lot silently,” @sis_busi_oe wrote.
Meanwhile, fellow Springbok WAGS including Marise Pollard (Handre Pollard’s wife) and Anlia Etzebeth (Eben Etzebeth’s wife) left hearts under Rachel’s post.
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Picture: Instagram/@rachelkolisi
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
