Rachel Kolisi Reveals Why She Refuses To Drop Siya Kolisi’s Surname After Their Split

Rachel Kolisi has addressed speculation about whether she plans to drop the Kolisi surname following her separation from Siya Kolisi.

Speaking during a recent interview on 947, the fitness instructor and influencer said she has decided to keep the surname because it is the same one used by her children.

“My children share the same surname as me, and travelling with my children, because they are brown, is already a big challenge,” she explained.

According to Rachel, having a different surname from her children could create additional complications when travelling.

Travel Challenges Influence Rachel Kolisi’s Decision

Rachel revealed that travelling with her children sometimes comes with extra scrutiny, particularly at airports or security gates.

She said officials occasionally stop her to confirm details before allowing them through.

“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 said.

Rachel also shared that she is frequently questioned about whether the children with her are actually hers.

“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.”

 

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Inside Siya and Rachel Kolisi’s Relationship Timeline

Rachel and Siya’s love story began in 2012 when they first met at a dinner party. Their relationship developed further the following year when they started dating.

The couple later welcomed their son, Nicholas, before tying the knot in 2016. Their daughter, Keziah, was born the following year.

Beyond their own children, the pair also stepped in to care for Siya’s younger siblings, Liphelo and Liyema, after the two were placed in an orphanage following their mother’s death.

Rachel and Siya ultimately went their separate ways in late 2024, bringing their marriage to an end.