Rachel Kolisi Takes Kolisi Foundation To CCMA Over Alleged ‘Constructive Dismissal’

Did Rachel Kolisi get pushed out of the very foundation she co-founded? That’s the burning question after reports emerged that she has taken the Kolisi Foundation to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation, and Arbitration (CCMA) over what she claims was an unfair and intolerable work environment.

Drama at the Kolisi Foundation?

Rachel, who co-founded the NGO alongside her now-estranged husband, Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, officially lodged a complaint with the CCMA on March 25, citing constructive dismissal. In simple terms, she claims she didn’t leave voluntarily but was forced out due to unfair treatment.

The complaint states: “The applicant resigned because the employer acted unfairly and made continued employment intolerable.”

And as for whether the dismissal process was fair?
The response: “No.”

Rachel is now seeking reinstatement and/or compensation from the foundation.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Dineo Ranaka Does U-Turn—Sis Swore Off Radio, Now She’s Back At Metro FM!

Kolisi Foundation Silent, But Civil Society Speaks

While Rachel is keeping mum for now, and the Kolisi Foundation board is yet to respond, civil society organisations working closely with the foundation aren’t holding back.

An anonymous NGO executive director who has worked with the foundation told Daily Maverick:

“Rachel was not just a figurehead—this was HER vision. She built this foundation.”

Another source, a gender-based violence (GBV) activist, echoed the sentiment:

“Rachel has done this. This is Rachel’s work.”

So, if Rachel was the backbone of the Kolisi Foundation, why would she suddenly up and leave?

Did the Divorce Play a Role?

Rachel and Siya Kolisi announced their separation in October 2024, sending shockwaves through South Africa, where they had long been considered the country’s “golden couple.” At the time, partner organisations were reassured that the foundation’s work would not be affected by their personal split.

Now, just months later, Rachel Kolisi is out.

According to insiders, Rachel had been actively involved in the foundation’s recent strategic planning sessions, with no indication that she was planning to leave. So when her resignation was suddenly announced via an Instagram post from an NGO partner, people were blindsided.

A GBV activist noted: “We were aware when the separation happened that Rachel took time off, but anyone would do the same. There was never a sign that she was going anywhere.”

Speculation is swirling that the Kolisi Foundation board may have been uncomfortable with Rachel’s social media posts reflecting her emotional struggles post-divorce.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Rachel Kolisi Opens Up About Life After Siya “I’m In A Very Unknown Place”

Mystery Surrounding Rachel Kolisi Exit

When news of Rachel’s exit first broke on February 28, it wasn’t even the foundation itself that made the announcement. Instead, it came via The Justice Desk, an NGO that works closely with the foundation, which wrote 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.”

That’s right—Rachel herself never publicly commented.

The Kolisi Foundation later released a vague statement, saying:

“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—but almost a month later, no formal statement has been issued.

From CEO to… Fitness Guru?

While the foundation has kept things hush-hush, the media has already started spinning narratives about Rachel’s “new chapter.”

The Citizen went as far as to say Rachel is moving on from philanthropy to focus on “glossy magazine cover shoots and fitness ventures.”

But Rachel’s CCMA filing paints a much darker picture. It suggests that this wasn’t a voluntary move but one forced upon her. And given how integral she was to the foundation’s mission, her departure—if it stands—raises serious questions about the NGO’s future.

Rachel is clearly ready to fight for justice, whether that means getting her job back or securing financial compensation.

One thing’s for sure: the Kolisi Foundation won’t be the same without her. And if Siya and the board thought this drama would just blow over, they might have seriously miscalculated.

What do you think? Did Rachel get unfairly pushed out, or is there more to the story? Let us know in the comments!

---

For SA News Follow SurgeZirc SA on Facebook,  X and Instagram