Siya Kolisi: The Unconquerable Spirit of South Africa’s Champion
Sona Reporter | Sona Headlines & Sona Solar Zimbabwe
Behind the massive biceps and thundering tackles lies a remarkable story of tragedy, resilience, and extraordinary triumph. Siyamthanda Kolisi's journey from the impoverished streets of Zwide township to lifting the Rugby World Cup twice as the Springboks' first black captain is the story of a new breed of South African hero.
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| Siya Kolisi: A symbol of hope and resilience. |
His is a life of two homes, two worlds, and one unwavering spirit that refused to be broken, inspiring a nation and reminding the world that a difficult past does not define one's future.
From Zwide Township
Born on June 16, 1991, to teenage parents, Siya Kolisi's early life mirrored South Africa's turbulent transition to democracy. Raised by his grandmother in a two-bedroom house in Zwide township, Port Elizabeth, poverty was a constant companion. He slept on cushions on the floor and food was so scarce that his only meal was often the school lunch of powdered milk and peanut butter bread. "Sometimes I wouldn't eat but my gran would go to a friend and bring back a slice of bread for me," Kolisi recalls. His grandmother's selflessness and positivity instilled in him a resilient spirit that would define his life.
Rugby began at Dan QeQe stadium, home of the African Bombers Rugby Football Club. It was a world away from polished pitches; jerseys and boots were scarce, and first aid was often just cold water on a bruise. But for a young Kolisi, it was a sanctuary. Rugby practice was a "home away from a difficult home," offering structure and belonging. He started as a stout prop nicknamed 'Shrek' but his passion for the game was undeniable, even bunking out of his prestigious high school later on to play for his beloved club.
Kolisi faced immense personal tragedy at a young age. He was only 12 when his grandmother, his primary caregiver, collapsed and died in his arms. Just a few years later, while he was at boarding school, his mother passed away. "I never told my mother that I loved her," he says. "When she passed away... Oh, it was hard, but I didn't cry." Following her death, his half-siblings, Liyema and Liphelo, were sent to orphanages. By the time he was 16, Siya had lost more loved ones than he knew how to cry for.
A Scholarship to a New World
At 12 years old, playing for Emsengeni Primary, Kolisi's raw talent was spotted by talent-scout Eric Songwiqi during an Eastern Province Under-12 tournament. Wearing shiny purple boxer shorts, he made enough of an impression to earn a life-changing opportunity: a full rugby scholarship to one of Port Elizabeth's most prestigious schools, Grey High School. It was the break that would set him on a professional path.
The transition to Grey High was not easy. Kolisi flunked two terms while grappling with English and, in a humorous anecdote, sank like a stone when he first joined his white classmates in the swimming pool. This period, which he calls his "township conversion," forced him to adapt. He learned to "laugh at yourself more than other guys laugh at you" and thrived on the structure and discipline that boarding school provided—a stark contrast to the unregulated life in the township.
Kolisi never rejected his roots. He and other black players would sing Xhosa rugby songs in the Grey changerooms, inspiring upset wins. However, straddling these two worlds was tough. He faced hostility from township teams and saw former friends fall into crime and drugs. Despite the challenges, he remained unconflicted about his identity. "I've got two homes," he says. "I don't forget about PE... It's my happy spot."
Captain, Leader, Legend
Kolisi's professional career began with Western Province in 2011. He quickly moved through the ranks, playing for the Stormers and making his Springbok debut in 2013, where he was named Man of the Match. In 2017, he was named captain of the Stormers. Then, in 2018, he made history when he was appointed the first black captain of the Springboks in the team's 126-year history.
In 2019, Siya Kolisi led South Africa to a stunning victory in the Rugby World Cup in Japan, lifting the Webb Ellis trophy and uniting a nation. His leadership and the team's triumph became a symbol of hope and progress for South Africa. In an incredible feat of leadership and team resilience, he repeated this success in 2023, captaining the Springboks to a back-to-back World Cup win in France.
Beyond the pitch, Kolisi's story came full circle when he and his wife, Rachel, legally adopted his two half-siblings, Liyema and Liphelo, in 2014, finally reuniting the family torn apart by tragedy. Together, they have two more children, Nicholas and Keziah. In 2020, Siya and Rachel launched the Kolisi Foundation, a testament to his commitment to giving back and addressing the extreme inequality in South Africa.
Gallery of a Journey
A Lasting Legacy
At Sona Solar Zimbabwe, we are inspired by stories of transformative power. Siya Kolisi's journey is a powerful metaphor for turning hardship into light. He emerged from a community with scarce resources and systemic challenges to become a source of immense national pride and stable leadership. His story is about building a future that isn't defined by the darkness of the past. In a similar vein, our mission is to provide consistent, reliable power to communities, empowering them to build their own brighter futures. Just as Kolisi's leadership provided the steady energy his team needed to conquer the world, we believe that stable solar power provides the essential energy for communities to thrive. We celebrate his legacy—a testament to the fact that with resilience and opportunity, one can generate enough light to power a nation's hope.
Frequently Asked Questions
Siya Kolisi is a South African professional rugby player. He made history as the first black captain of the South African national team, the Springboks, and led them to victory in both the 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cups.
He grew up in the impoverished township of Zwide in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, where he was raised by his paternal grandmother after his teenage parents were unable to care for him.
At the age of 12, he was spotted by a talent scout and offered a full scholarship to Grey High School, a prestigious school known for its rugby program. This opportunity set him on the path to a professional career.
Founded in 2020 by Siya and his wife Rachel Kolisi, the Kolisi Foundation aims to combat inequality in South Africa by providing support and opportunities in areas of food security, gender-based violence, and education and sports.
David (Solar Sales)