Rachel Kolisi Takes Kolisi Foundation to CCMA Following Accusations of ‘Constructive Dismissal’
Has Rachel Kolisi been pushed out of the foundation she helped establish? This pressing question arises after reports surfaced that she has taken the Kolisi Foundation to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation, and Arbitration (CCMA), alleging an unfair and intolerable work environment.
Conflict at the Kolisi Foundation?
Rachel, who co-founded the NGO with her now-estranged husband, Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, officially filed a complaint with the CCMA on March 25, alleging constructive dismissal. Essentially, she asserts that she did not resign voluntarily but was compelled to leave due to unfair treatment.
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The complaint articulates: “The applicant resigned because the employer acted unfairly and made continued employment intolerable.”
Regarding the fairness of the dismissal process?
The answer: “No.”
Rachel is now pursuing reinstatement and/or compensation from the foundation.
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Kolisi Foundation Remains Silent, While Civil Society Voices Opinions
As Rachel refrains from public comment and the Kolisi Foundation board has yet to respond, civil society organizations collaborating closely with the foundation are not holding back.
An anonymous executive director from an NGO associated with the foundation disclosed to Daily Maverick:
“Rachel was not merely a figurehead—this was HER vision. She developed this foundation.”
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Another source, a gender-based violence (GBV) activist, reiterated this viewpoint:
“Rachel has accomplished this. This is Rachel’s initiative.”
If Rachel was indeed the backbone of the Kolisi Foundation, why would she suddenly depart?
Was the Divorce a Factor?
Rachel and Siya Kolisi announced their separation in October 2024, sending shockwaves through South Africa, where they had often been viewed as the “golden couple.” At that time, partner organizations were assured that the foundation’s mission would remain unaffected by their personal split.
Now, just a few months later, Rachel Kolisi is out.
Insiders reveal that Rachel had been actively involved in the foundation’s recent strategic planning sessions, with no hints of her impending departure. Thus, when her resignation was abruptly revealed through an Instagram post by an NGO partner, many were taken aback.
A GBV activist commented: “We recognized that Rachel took some time off after the separation, but that’s normal. There was never a sign suggesting she was leaving.”
There is speculation that the Kolisi Foundation board may have felt uneasy with Rachel’s social media updates reflecting her emotional challenges following the divorce.
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Uncertainty Surrounding Rachel Kolisi’s Departure
When news of Rachel’s exit first surfaced on February 28, it was not the foundation itself that shared the announcement. Instead, it was The Justice Desk, an NGO that collaborates closely with the foundation, which posted on Instagram:
“We were saddened to hear that [Rachel] will no longer be CEO of the Kolisi Foundation, but we know she will continue to do incredible things.”
Notably, Rachel herself has not publicly commented on the matter.
The Kolisi Foundation subsequently issued a vague statement, noting:
“The board is actively managing the situation with the utmost care and responsibility. Our primary focus is to ensure the stability and continuity of the foundation’s mission.”
They also mentioned that an acting CEO had been appointed; however, nearly a month later, no formal statement has been released.
From CEO to… Fitness Influencer?
While the foundation has maintained silence, the media has begun to fabricate narratives about Rachel’s “new chapter.”
The Citizen has even suggested that Rachel is transitioning from philanthropy to focus on “glossy magazine covers and fitness endeavors.”
However, Rachel’s CCMA filing reveals a much grimmer reality, indicating that her departure was not voluntary but rather forced. Given her pivotal role in the foundation’s mission, her exit—if confirmed—raises significant questions about the future of the NGO.
Rachel is clearly poised to fight for justice, whether that entails regaining her position or obtaining financial compensation.
One thing is for certain: the Kolisi Foundation will not be the same without her. If Siya and the board believed this situation would simply fade away, they may have significantly underestimated it.
What are your thoughts? Did Rachel face unfair treatment, or is there more to the narrative? Share your opinions in the comments!
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