Rachel Kolisi reflects on a complex Mother’s Day after her separation from Siya

This year’s Mother’s Day carried a complex weight for Rachel Kolisi.

Following her emotional split from Springbok rugby captain Siya Kolisi, Rachel openly shared her struggles with grief and change, reminding her fans and followers that the day is not solely about joy and celebration.

Amidst numerous joyful tributes and colourful flowers, Rachel took a moment to reflect on the deeper emotions surrounding motherhood as it was her first Mother's Day as a single mother. 

Siya's silence has amplified the solitude she feels on such a day, once filled with laughter and shared parenting experiences. 

As she walks through her healing journey, she shared a message highlighting the complexity of Mother’s Day for many.

The post resonated with those who have experienced longing, ache, and grief, honouring all types of mothers - biological, adoptive, foster, and spiritual. 

"Mother's Day is beautiful. But it can also be complicated," read the first slide. 

Alongside, she wrote: "For many, it’s a day of joy, gratitude, and celebration. For others, it’s a day of ache, longing, or grief. And for other still, it’s somewhere in between."

She went on to honour the diverse tapestry of motherhood, recognising the women who have nurtured and loved us, while also bearing witness to those who long to be mothers, those grieving children, and those with complicated feelings toward their own mothers.

"We honour the gift of mothers: biological, adoptive, foster, spiritual, and chosen. We give thanks for the women who have nurtured, taught, protected, challenged, and loved us."

"We remember those who long to be mothers, those who have lost children, those estranged from children, and those who carry pain related to their own mothers. We see you."

She continued: "Mother’s Day itself has a surprising origin. It was originally birthed not out of consumerism, but compassion. In the 1800s, women like Ann Reeves Jarvis organised Mother’s Day Work Clubs to improve health and sanitation."

"Later, her daughter Anna Jarvis pushed for a national holiday to honor peace-building, sacrificial motherhood. Ironically, she ended up opposing the commercialization of what it became. So today, let’s return to that sacred intent..."

"To mother is to mirror the heart of God:
nurturing life, giving grace, holding space, and pointing to hope. Happy Mother’s Day, whatever this day holds for you."

In the past, Rachel and Siya were the epitome of a united front, sharing a beautiful family dynamic marked by love and support.

This Mother’s Day, however, marked a new chapter for Rachel as she embraced the day as a single mother.

Rachel received an outpouring of support, with many acknowledging her raw vulnerability since the public announcement of her divorce. 

"Thank you for this!! Have not ever experienced a Mothers Day sentiment so profound," commented @breckmel.

@be11aluna said: "Thank you for this post". 

In a separate video post, Rachel said: "Being a mother is the most incredible, most rewarding and most challenging thing I have ever done and I have always looked at my kids kind of as a North star."