“Bathong, Rachel”: Rachel Seemingly Claps Back About Keeping Kolisi’s Surname, SA Entertained

• Rachel Kolisi subtly addressed public criticism over keeping her ex-husband Siya Kolisi's surname after their divorce
• The response came after critics questioned why a self-proclaimed independent woman would hold onto the Kolisi name
• Fans rallied behind Rachel, arguing the Kolisi surname is a brand she played a major role in building

South African author Rachel Kolisi is not losing sleep over her surname. The South African personality took a lighthearted approach on 22 September 2026 to silence critics who had questioned her decision to keep the Kolisi name after her divorce from rugby star Siya Kolisi.

The conversation started after Rachel performed Ne-Yo's Miss Independent on stage at Motherhood Namibia's 4th Annual Mom's Night Off event at the Windhoek Country Club Resort. A clip shared on her TikTok handle @rachelkolisi from the night went viral, and critics were quick to point out what they saw as an irony: an independent woman holding onto her ex-husband's last name.

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Rachel's cheeky airport response

Rather than engage in the debate directly, Rachel let her sense of humour do the talking. In a follow-up TikTok video, she is seen wheeling her luggage through an airport terminal as she headed to the Eastern Cape. The overlay text read: "First name. Last name. Same same." The caption matched the playful energy, making it clear she had no intention of entertaining the criticism.

Watch Rachel's subtle response in the TikTok video below:

Mzansi defends Rachel Kolisi

The clip struck a chord with viewers, many of whom felt Rachel had every right to keep the name. Many fans pointed out that the Kolisi surname carries its weight partly because she helped build it alongside Siya.

@Monique Matthee said:

"Without you, the surname wouldn't have meant as much. You built that last name; wear it with pride 💜."

@its kamo wrote:

"The surname is not just a name; it's a brand! A brand that she played a huge role in building!"

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@miloRaliz asked:

"Why didn't anyone tell me she was this cool?"

@amichetty420 wrote:

"Is Siya John in Australia already? 🤩 💅 Because there is only one Rachel Kolisi 🥰."

@ uB u h l é 🇿🇦 🇵🇸 said:

"Bathong Rachel 🤣😂."

@Geraldine Mahunonyane shared:

"Spicy, spicy baby 😂♥️."

3 more articles about Rachel Kolisi

• Rachel Kolisi delivered a moving keynote address on womanhood and identity at a Motherhood event in Namibia, encouraging women to embrace every version of themselves rather than conforming to societal expectations.
• Briefly News reported that local author Rachel Kolisi shared a glimpse of her and her daughter's Botswana getaway, leaving social media users in awe of her trip and her passion for conservation.
• Mom of two, Rachel Kolisi amused South Africans after using a permanent marker to cross out the "r" in "Mrs" on her apron during a TikTok cooking video, altering her title to "Ms Kolisi".

Source: Briefly News