Culture Craze
Rachel Kolisi fires back at trolls as she shares her messy, powerful “new normal”
Since her very public divorce from Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, Rachel Kolisi has found herself living under the kind of spotlight few people ever ask for. Every post, every update, every step forward has been watched closely.
But if recent social media moments are anything to go by, she is not shrinking from the attention. She is rewriting the narrative on her own terms.
A “new normal” that is anything but quiet
In a candid Instagram update, Rachel gave followers a glimpse into what life looks like behind the scenes right now. The picture she painted was not polished or perfect. It was busy, sometimes messy, and deeply human.
Between moments of family time and laptop work, she shared just how many roles she is juggling at once. Her current season includes building a business, writing a book, finishing a documentary, preparing for a major talk with Forbes Woman Africa, and managing logistics for several upcoming events. On top of that, she is raising her children and keeping everyday life moving.
Her message was clear. She is not waiting for life to settle before showing up. She is showing up while life is still in motion.
She also hinted at excitement around her upcoming Falling Forward roadshow, thanking supporters and sharing how much the encouragement has meant during a demanding stretch.
Strength shaped in quiet battles
Alongside the update, Rachel shared reflections about heartbreak, pressure, and the kind of resilience that forms far from public applause. The posts spoke about carrying financial stress, family responsibility, career pressure, and emotional pain, yet continuing to move forward.
The tone struck a chord with many South Africans who understand how often personal struggles are faced privately while the world expects a quick recovery.
Another line she shared touched on how people’s true colours sometimes appear when expectations are not met. It was a subtle but pointed reminder that growth often reveals who is genuinely supportive.
The comment that sparked a viral moment
As expected with any high-profile figure, not every reaction was kind. Among the supportive messages, one commenter urged her to simply move on and suggested the topic had become boring.
Rachel’s response was short, witty, and unmistakably confident. Instead of escalating the exchange, she replied that there is an unfollow button especially for that person.
The comeback quickly spread online, with many praising the way she handled criticism without losing composure. In a social media culture that often rewards outrage, her calm approach stood out.
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A wave of support from women across South Africa
The overwhelming tone in her comment section told a different story from the criticism. Many women thanked her for being open about how healing is rarely neat or linear.
Supporters shared that watching her navigate this chapter feels less like gossip and more like witnessing someone reclaim their voice. Others said her honesty is helping people who are going through similar situations but do not have the platform to speak about it.
Rachel acknowledged the encouragement, replying that the messages meant more than people realise.
More than a celebrity storyline
In South Africa, where public figures are often expected to either disappear quietly or present a perfectly polished comeback, Rachel’s approach feels refreshingly real. She is not rushing to prove anything. She is documenting the process as it unfolds.
That may be why the moment resonated so strongly. It was not just about a celebrity responding to a troll. It was about someone refusing to let strangers set the timeline for their healing.
And in a culture that increasingly values authenticity over perfection, that quiet confidence might be her strongest statement yet.
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: Famous Faces
