Siya Kolisi's heartfelt township tour: teaching his children about Rolihlahla in Gqeberha

Springboks captain Siya Kolisi recently took his children on a heartfelt township tour during their holiday visit.

Sharing the experience on TikTok, Kolisi posted a video of himself walking through the township of Rolihlahla (named after the late former president Nelson Mandela) in Gqeberha with his sister, Liphelo (Phelo), and his daughter, Keziah.

“This is Phelo’s hood. This is where she lived. I’m just showing her so she doesn’t forget eRolihlahla,” Kolisi explained in the video, playfully teasing his younger sister about her blonde braids by saying, “You’re blonde at the moment.”

As they strolled down a street lined with informal dwellings on a warm winter’s day, Kolisi reflected on his roots.

Rolihlahla informal settlement, located behind the Nelson Mandela University's Missionvale Campus, was established in 1999 and has been waiting for basic services for over 20 years.

Kolisi himself grew up in the township of Zwide, also in Gqeberha, where he faced significant challenges, including poverty.

However, his rugby talent earned him a scholarship to Grey Junior School, paving the way for his successful career.

Both Zwide and Rolihlahla are informal settlements in Gqeberha, with residents of Rolihlahla having protested for improved housing conditions and essential services, such as electricity and refuse collection.

Speaking with his younger brother, Liyema, Kolisi recalled how their mother’s house had to be relocated to build the very street they were exploring, marking a profound moment of heritage and memory.

Netizens praised Kolisi for his humility and for teaching his children about their heritage.

Comments on the video reflected this admiration, with one user, @busani_mtalanam, stating, “When they become celebrities, they are scared to walk ekasi; Siya is a rare breed.”

Another user, @ladylea_95, commented, “I love the fact that you stay grounded to your roots. Love, Light and so much respect for you, Siya✨️.”

@michelelevin5 added, “This is what it’s all about. On the journey to the top, never forget your roots. The fact that you took them back as a reminder keeps the young ones grateful and humble. That’s why I look up to you - not just for what you have achieved but for who you are as a person. 🥰🥰🥰.”

Beyond the public admiration, this visit to Gqeberha holds personal significance for Kolisi and his children.

Liyema and Phelo were adopted by Siya and Rachel in 2014 after the untimely passing of their mother.

The couple, who married in 2016, announced their separation in October 2024.

Ahead of the trip, Rachel shared on her TikTok account the complexities of co-parenting during a divorce, especially as the children flew to see their dad without her.

 “It was hard,” she expressed, acknowledging the challenges of packing light while ensuring her daughter’s hair was styled for her short adventure.

“Sasha Fierce, of course, went with the longest braids she could find, 738 hours at the salon later,” she quipped, commenting on Phelo's braids, encapsulating the bittersweet nature of motherhood.

As Siya walked his children through the township, showcasing the significance of their heritage, he reminded them - and us all - of the importance of acknowledging one's roots.

His actions serve as a powerful reminder of humility, resilience and the enduring connections we nurture with our past.