Why Rachel Kolisi chose to keep the surname Kolisi
Rachel Kolisi has defended her decision to keep the surname Kolisi.
Rachel Kolisi is setting the record straight on why she kept the surname following her divorce from Springbok captain Siya Kolisi.
While she’s been open about her healing journey lately, she’s also facing some heat online regarding her new documentary, 'Falling Forward'.
Social media critics have been quick to claim she’s using her high-profile split from Siya to boost her career. However, the film’s official website clarifies that the project isn't actually about the divorce at all.
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According to TimesLIVE, in a recent interview Rachel explained that her decision to keep her married name is purely for the sake of her children.
“My children share the same surname as me, and travelling with my children, because they are brown, is already a big challenge. Sometimes I get stopped at gates and people want to double-check certain things, so it would be a really big challenge for me, so I’m keeping my surname,” she shared.
She added that a name change would only add more layers of difficulty to their daily lives: “It’s also just the amount of times I’ve been asked, ‘Are those your kids?’ and I’m just like, ‘Yes, they are my kids,’ and so if I change my surname it’s going to be just as challenging.”
The pair are parents to two biological children and also adopted Siya’s younger siblings, Liyema and Liphelo, following the passing of their mother.
As they navigate their new co-parenting rhythm, Rachel is asking the public to stop viewing her simply as an extension of the Kolisi brand.
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“I actually want to move past this narrative. I want to move past this story. People have pinned me to who I was married to, and who I was divorced from. I have so much more to offer than that season in my life. There’s a new conversation, there’s a new season, so let’s move on,” she said.
While Siya has reportedly moved on with a new partner, Rachel says she is finding peace in her independence. She’s also challenging the idea that “moving on” has to involve a new relationship.
“I’m good by myself. I don’t think I’ve ever been better by myself. Why is it considered moving on only when you are with someone else? Why is your value only attached when you’re with someone else?”
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Image: Rachel Kolisi Official Website