“Never Going To Feel Normal”: Rachel Kolisi Opens Up About Co-Parenting As Kids Fly to Siya Alone

• Rachel Kolisi shared a candid glimpse into the challenges of co-parenting her children with her estranged husband, Siya Kolisi
• She highlighted the emotional difficulty of sending her kids to fly alone to visit their father for the first time, showcasing her preparation and anxiety
• The TikTok video sparked an outpouring of support from fans, who praised Rachel for her transparency and strength, relating to the realities of co-parenting across different locations
• Briefly News spoke to certified relationship Paula Quinsee about how parents can deal with feelings of anxiety and loneliness when navigating the complexities of co-parenting after a separation or divorce

Media personality and estranged wife of Springbok captain Siya Kolisi opened up about her struggles with co-parenting as the kids travel alone to visit the Sharks player.

The pair announced their divorce on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, when they released a joint statement on social media confirming the news that left many fans distraught.

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Rachel Kolisi shows the struggles of co-parenting

Rachel took to her social media account, sharing a candid glimpse into the challenges of co-parenting and highlighting an emotional moment as their children travelled alone to visit their father on her TikTok account on 9 July 2025.

She revealed that it was the first time the kids would be flying alone to see their dad without her, which was "hard" for her.

"Never going to feel normal packing for my kids to leave."

In the TikTok clip, she showcased how she braided her baby girl's hair so it does not need to be brushed while she is away. The mom of four went on to showcase how she did admin work for kids flying without parents.

Rachel said the night before the kids were set to travel and the day they were to depart were the "hardest" part for her, which resulted in her sleeping for three hours.

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Decided to call my gran and ask if she would like to go away with me while the kids are away. She said yes so feeling better that I wont be alone."

The bittersweet goodbye moment, which led to the kids being dropped at the airport, caused her to have an anxiety attack, as she showcased in the clip. Rachel went on to share how five minutes into her first meeting, while the kids were away, was rough for many reasons and expressed how she would be heading to bed early and try again the next day.

The post sparked an outpouring of support from followers, many of whom related to the realities of co-parenting across different locations.

Fans praised Rachel for her transparency and strength, noting that her vulnerability shone a light on a reality many families face.

Watch the video below:

How to manage anxiety and loneliness in co-parenting

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While speaking to Briefly News, certified relationship and founder of Engaged Humans, Paula Quinsee, shared tips on how parents can deal with feelings of anxiety and loneliness when navigating the complexities of co-parenting after a separation or divorce.

Paula expressed how going through a divorce or separation has an "emotional impact" on all parties, particularly where children are involved. She emphasised the importance of acknowledging your feelings and processing them in a way that helps you move on.

"Divorce or separation often leaves an empty void, not only from a romantic connection, but also when it comes to daily routines, shared responsibilities, and one’s identity (e.g. husband, wife, etc). It is normal to experience anxiety and loneliness as a result of this change in relationship status, but they don’t have to be permanent."

The founder of Engaged Humans gave the following tips, which one could follow when dealing with anxiety and loneliness in co-parenting:

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• Acknowledging your emotions and what you are feeling, as suppressing your sadness or fears, only intensifies it. Activities that can help include journaling, going for therapy, joining a support group (in-person or online) and leaning into your support structures such as friends and family.
• Prioritising your self-care, such as sleep, nutrition and exercise, and revisiting old hobbies and activities that give you a sense of joy or happiness (e.g. music, painting, gardening, etc) can positively impact your emotional state.
• Co-parenting requires both parties to communicate around daily and weekly logistics that provide children with a sense of structure, stability and emotional discipline. Creating a consistent routine or schedule, and if needed, a neutral communication platform (e.g. a shared calendar or co-parenting app) can help to reinforce boundaries and reduce stress.
• Loneliness can be shifted by building new connections or reconnecting with old friends, joining parenting communities, or going for co-parenting counselling to be able to heal, reclaim your identity and independence outside of your old relationship.

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Mzansi shows Rachel Kolisi support

The online community took to the comments section to show Rachel Kolisi love and support as they showered her with heartwarming messages.

Kaylin Van Schalkwyk said:

"Supporting Rachel doesn’t mean sending hate to Siya. We can show support without being mean."

Hayley added:

"The whole of South Africa is here for you."

User wrote:

"Owww, mommy sending love and light..we will get through this with you."

Nikki Munitz & Associates shared:

"Thank you for being so real. Divorce hurt even when it’s what you want."

Tahnurmica commented:

"South Africa is behind you mama. This chapter isn’t the end; it’s a turning point, and even though you didn’t choose this storm, you will rise in it softer, wiser, and stronger. One day, you’ll look back and see that even here… God was holding you."

On July 12, 2025, Rachel Kolisi shared an Instagram post from Monwana Lodge in Greater Kruger’s Thornybush Game Reserve, Hoedspruit. She and her grandmother toured the safari, spotting elephants, hippos, rhinos, and giraffes, then relaxed back at the No. 1 safari lodge, soaking in the stunning bush views.

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More Rachel and Siya Kolisi news

• Briefly News reported that Rachel Kolisi showed snippets of her busy holiday with her children. Siya Kolisi's former wife spent quality time with their children, Nicholas and Keziah Kolisi.
• Springboks captain Siya Kolisi and Rachel have been speculated to have been spotted together. This comes after a clip went viral on TikTok, showing Siya with a blonde woman who resembled his ex-wife.
• Rachel Kolisi has been taking life one day at a time since her divorce from Siya Kolisi. The star recently spoke about how she has been coping after leaving her marriage.

Updated by Hilary Sekgota, Human Interest HOD at Briefly News.

Source: Briefly News