From selling snacks to learning life lessons, the Kolisi kids are getting a head start on success. Rachel Kolisi reflects on childhood hustle, motherhood and near-disaster on a recent social media post.
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Rachel Kolisi is proving that building generational wealth doesn’t start with millions in the bank — it starts with values, work ethic, and a little bit of crunch. The philanthropist and wife of Springbok captain Siya Kolisi took to Instagram this week to share a heartwarming moment: her kids and nephews have officially become young entrepreneurs.
In a photo posted to her stories and shared widely across fan pages, the children are seen beaming with pride as they sell homemade crunchies and ice lollies to passersby. “My kids and nephews are officially entrepreneurs. And they’re hooked!” Rachel wrote, clearly relishing her “mama era”.
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Small business, big lessons
While it may seem like a simple summer hustle, Rachel sees deeper value in this early business venture. She reflected on her own childhood experience selling popcorn at age 11 — an introduction to business that shaped her understanding of hard work and independence.
Now, she’s passing on that same mindset to her own children, teaching them about money management, customer service and perseverance. Her son Nic and daughter Kezi may be packing differently for overnight trips (with Rachel joking that one packs snacks, the other packs style), but when it comes to drive, they’re on the same page.
This small but meaningful step aligns with a growing movement among celebrity mothers encouraging financial literacy and self-starting values from a young age — much like Beyoncé’s mother Tina Knowles, who helped manage Destiny’s Child’s early days, or Serena Williams, who’s spoken openly about teaching her daughter Olympia the value of ownership.
A harrowing brush with danger brings it all into focus
Kolisi’s joy follows a recent scare, when the Cape Town wildfires nearly reached the family’s home near Table Mountain. Rachel revealed that the flames got dangerously close, leading to a sleepless night and a near evacuation. “We were all terrified,” she said. “I didn’t sleep so I could keep an eye on the fire.”
The experience, though traumatic, gave Rachel a fresh perspective. “I wouldn’t wish this on anyone,” she shared. “But it’s a reminder of what really matters.”
It’s clear that family, community, and resilience top that list.
More than a mom – a mentor
As Rachel steps into her role not just as a mother but also as a mentor and entrepreneur, her influence continues to grow. She co-founded the Kolisi Foundation, supports numerous social causes, and regularly speaks about motherhood, mental health, and purpose.
This latest moment — guiding her kids on their first taste of entrepreneurship — is yet another chapter in a legacy rooted in empowerment.
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‘It felt like Armageddon’: Rachel Kolisi and kids safe after terrifying Tokai fires
Featured Image: Instagram | @rachelkolisi
