Rachel Kolisi marks son Nicholas’s 12th birthday with heartfelt Instagram tribute

According to The South African, author Rachel Kolisi took to Instagram on Thursday 3 September to celebrate her son Nicholas’s 12th birthday, calling him her “miracle baby.”

Short, emotional tribute on Instagram

The South African reports Rachel captioned the post:

“12 years ago this miracle baby made me a mama. Forever grateful to Jesus. 🥹♥️,”

The post, shared on 3 September, prompted an outpouring of messages from fans, followers and other Springbok WAGS in the comments section, The South African says.

Responses from followers and fellow public figures

According to The South African, well-wishers included fellow WAGs and public figures. The article quotes comments in the post’s replies, including:

• “Will always be my first boy! Love you Nicholas 💙,”

  attributed to Layla Kolbe.

• “Happy Birthday big boy ❤️,”

  attributed to Minnie Dlamini.

Why Nicholas is called a ‘miracle’

The South African notes Rachel has previously referred to Nicholas as a “miracle baby,” saying he was born prematurely at 32 weeks and weighed 2.1kg. The article cites an earlier caption in which Rachel wrote:

“Nicholas Siyamthanda Kolisi. My 32 week 2.1kg miracle baby,”

Background notes from The South African

The South African also reports that Rachel and Springboks captain Siya Kolisi legally adopted Nicholas’s younger siblings, Liyema and Liphelo, following the death of their mother.

On their personal lives, The South African recalls that Siya and Rachel announced their divorce via a joint statement in October 2024. The article adds that Rachel has since released a document and a book titled Falling Forward, and that Siya is rumoured to have moved on with a 25-year-old influencer, Rachel John.

What readers reacted to

The South African frames the Instagram post as a private family moment shared publicly, drawing warm responses from followers and fellow public figures who left birthday messages under Rachel’s tribute.