Springbok captain Siya Kolisi and his wife, Rachel, shocked South Africans by unexpectedly announcing their divorce on Instagram, drawing a mix of disbelief, humour, and emotional reactions from the public, Cape {town} Etc reports.
Also read: Siya and Rachel Kolisi announce divorce on Instagram
Married for eight years with two kids, the couple first met at a 2012 dinner party in Stellenbosch, and their friendship soon turned into romance, leading to their 2016 wedding.
Before their love story took a turn, Siya and Rachel Kolisi often shared glimpses of their relationship on social media, leading many to view them as ‘couple goals.’
The couple’s active presence on social media gave followers a window into their lives.
Thanks to these glimpses, we’ve often felt privy to their relationship over the years.
Suffice it to say, when the news of their split broke, social media was in a frenzy.
Starting on X (Twitter), Siya and Rachel have been trending on the platform since the announcement.
Many have seen the divorce as an opportunity to ask Rachel out.
Wish me luck 🥹 pic.twitter.com/2Unz1PW6Wf
— WAVY🌊 (@wavyzozo2) October 22, 2024
Feeling deeply affected by the news, many took to the platform to express their heartfelt emotions.
Hit like if you are heartbroken by Rachel and Siya Kolisi separation. pic.twitter.com/BCRpwOnbXi
— No one (@Thesonofwoman) October 22, 2024
The Siya and Rachel Kolisi divorce is the most tragic split South Africans have witnessed since Nelson and mama Winnie, as a country we can’t breathe 💔😩😩😩 pic.twitter.com/iGlYSfbvuT
— Limpopo Padre (@LimpopoDaddy) October 22, 2024
Perfect time to bring this banger #SiyaKolisi pic.twitter.com/KMkwSDmIMr
— Tumelo Legodi (@Tumelo_Jhb) October 22, 2024
A third person must be responsible for this divorce between Siya and Rachel Kolisi. There can’t be another explanation. pic.twitter.com/WSGSrPAm48
— Jabulani Macdonald ⚡️ (@Jabu_Macdonald) October 22, 2024
Others likened the news of the divorce to a national crisis.
President Ramaphosa better call a family meeting to meditate between Siya & Rachel Kolisi.
Phela this is a national crisis.💔 pic.twitter.com/jFaMUdSQkA
— Raised in Africa💫 (@paballo_patsa) October 22, 2024
Meanwhile on TikTok, content creator Leython Van Graan (@lvg______) shared a comical video where he sent Springbok captain Siya Kolisi a voice note on Instagram.
@lvg______ Siya let’s short this out Cappie 😭😭🇿🇦 asb @siyakolisi #siyakolisi #leythonvangraan #lvgcpt #lvgisfunnie #leythonvg #kaapstad ♬ original sound – Leython Van Graan
Leython began by singing Ne-Yo’s ‘So Sick’ before asking Siya to mend his relationship with the mother of his children.
He humorously pleaded, ‘Siyamthanda, yoh, my brother. Not like this, man. Not like this. Not before festive.’
Leython joked that Siya wasn’t returning his calls and warned against divorce, saying it would give others ideas.
Another TikTok video, accompanied by the soulful strains of Boyz II Men’s ‘End of the Road’, powerfully reflects the emotional state of many South Africans.
@papifuego777 I love you both soo much ,may your paths be blessed #SAMA28 #centurion #papifuego777 #fypp #mzansicomedy #southafrica #bokke #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #siya #siyakolisi🇿🇦 #rachelkolisi ♬ End Of The Road – Boyz II Men
The comments under the video are desperate to amend the couples marriage, with one comment saying that ‘as a nation we need to beg Rachel for forgiveness on Siya’s behalf.’
Despite the nation’s mixed reactions to their separation, the couple expressed a desire to handle it with love and respect as they move forward separately.
Also read:
Watch: Kolisi joins Wynberg Boys for world-famous ‘Hoya’ battle cry
Picture: Rachel Kolisi / X
