Kolisi Foundation turns six as Siya Kolisi reflects on progress and future work.
Image: File
Six years in, and Siya Kolisi is marking a milestone with both reflection and intent.
Taking to Instagram to celebrate the anniversary of the Kolisi Foundation, he shared, “Today marks the sixth birthday of the Kolisi Foundation. We are still here, we won’t stop, and there is a lot of work to be done. We will continue going forward.”
The Springboks captain, who co-founded the organisation with his former wife Rachel Kolisi, used the moment to reflect on how far the foundation has come and why slowing down isn’t even on the table.
“Thank you so much to all our founders, our partners, and thank you to our implementing partners on the ground. Thank you to the board and thank you to the Kolisi Foundation staff for all the work that you do.
"We are so grateful for the work that you have done,” he added, making sure the people behind the scenes got their moment too.
The foundation focuses on key pillars including education and sport, food security, and gender-based violence, with programmes designed to support vulnerable communities and create access to essential resources.
Since its launch in 2020, research and reporting on the Kolisi Foundation show that it has supported thousands of beneficiaries across South Africa through targeted community interventions, particularly in under-resourced areas such as Zwide in Gqeberha, where it has delivered food relief, educational support, and youth development programmes aimed at breaking cycles of poverty.
The organisation has also been actively involved in food security drives during periods of heightened need, including the Covid-19 pandemic, when it expanded emergency relief efforts to reach vulnerable households.
In addition, its work around gender-based violence has included awareness campaigns, partnerships with local shelters, and initiatives focused on supporting survivors and strengthening community response systems.
Beyond direct aid, the foundation has invested in long-term development through school infrastructure support and programmes designed to improve access to quality education and sport for young people.
The anniversary also arrives at a time of transition for the organisation. In 2025, Rachel Kolisi stepped down from her role as CEO of the foundation, marking a notable leadership shift.
Her departure, which followed her divorce from Siya, signalled a new phase for both the organisation and its leadership structure.
While the transition was handled privately and without public fallout, it inevitably drew attention, given her visible role in building and shaping the foundation since its inception.