Siya Kolisi: Springboks Captain Takes Stand Against Gender Based Violence, Spreads Awareness

• Springboks captain Siya Kolisi has spread awareness concerning gender-based violence in South Africa
• The 34-year-old rugby star also shared his experience on how his late mother was a victim of abuse
• The move by the South African rugby star sparked different reactions from his fans and followers on social media

Springboks captain Siya Kolisi has joined many South Africans in changing his Instagram profile picture to a purple icon as a stand against gender-based violence.

The 34-year-old recently bagged his 100th Test Cap for the South African Rugby National team, achieving this milestone in the Springboks' win over France at the Stade de France in Paris on Saturday, November 8, 2025.

Kolisi was widely celebrated by his teammates and coaches, with Rassie Erasmus also explaining why he substituted him in the game, despite making history.

Despite recently announcing his divorce from Rachel Kolisi, Siya is still the co-founder of the Kolisi Foundation, which they created together.

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Kolisi takes a stand against GBV in SA

Gender-based violence (GBV) refers to any form of harm inflicted on a person because of their sex, gender, or gender identity. It involves compelling someone to act against their will through physical force, coercion, threats, manipulation, cultural pressures, or economic control.

The movement was initiated by the activist group Women For Change, which is organising a nationwide shutdown in South Africa scheduled for next Friday, November 21, 2025.

Aside from changing his Instagram profile picture to a purple icon, Kolisi also posted an image with a plain purple background.

Kolisi has also spoken candidly about how his late mother, Phakama, experienced abuse. He stressed that remaining silent only enables wrongdoing, explaining that if someone witnesses abuse and says nothing, they are effectively supporting it.

The Springbok captain, who is a father of two, has repeatedly called on men to take accountability for their actions. He later told 702 that men must engage in difficult conversations and genuinely listen to women, emphasising that they cannot be part of the solution if they continue to contribute to the problem.

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Here is what Siya Kolisi's fans and followers are saying concerning the Boks captain's post on social media.

thimstar said:

"One thing about our Captain, he can read the room. 💜💜🙌🏾."

veli_herself wrote:

"Our Captain, we love you. Thank you for doing this 💜."

enhle_imbalz responded:

"I’ve been anticipating men to participate. 💜💜💜🫠."

misoso_pmn shared:

"Aaaaah the actual Champ, danko Captain ❤️."

sipho_mthembu25 reacted:

"I've said it before and I'll say it again, Siya is the leader we need, not the leader we deserve🟣🔥."

imsladegilmore commented:

"@siyakolisi Get all the @bokrugby boys involved, we need all the participation we can get! 💜💜💜."

talkingcyberman implied:

"This is one way to use your platform 💜 the more prominent men show their solidarity, the more others follow."

swampwitch947 added:

"You, always putting your money where your mouth is. Every. Single. Time. 💜💜💜."

Kolisi appreciates his biggest supporter

Briefly News also reported that Kolisi took time to appreciate his biggest supporter after hitting a new milestone with the Springboks.

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The Boks captain led his team to victory against France in Paris last weekend.

Source: Briefly News