Heart-warming reunion: Zelda La Grange's tribute to Rachel Kolisi's inspiring strength

Zelda La Grange, the former private secretary to Nelson Mandela, recently took time to express her admiration for Rachel Kolisi, who is well-known as South Africa's "first lady" of rugby. 

La Grange is also an author, international motivational speaker and co-presenter on kykNET's lifestyle and current affairs talk show, "Tussen Ons".

The two women met for a long-overdue catch-up, and La Grange couldn't help but share how much Kolisi has inspired her over the years.

She wrote in a Facebook post: “She (Kolisi) just gets prettier by the day.”

This was just the beginning of a heartfelt tribute that reminded fans of the positive influence Kolisi has had on those around her.

La Grange reflected on their first encounter back in 2015 during the Rugby World Cup held in England. At that time, she didn't initially know who Kolisi was, but it was hard to miss the remarkable way she cared for her son, Nicholas Kolisi, who spent most of the day asleep in her arms. 

"For the entire 5-6 hours we were at the stadium, she carried Nic in her arms. He was asleep most of the time. I admired her physical strength to carry a big boy around like that. My back ached just looking at it. It was clear that she was to be a dedicated and wonderful mother."

However, what impressed La Grange the most was Kolisi's genuine care for others.

"But the most striking thing about Rachel Kolisi is how she cares for people she will never even meet. She stops halfway through a conversation with an urgency to want to help everyone.

"She still has so much to do, and I know she will singularly bring about massive change through her caring spirit. Proud of you Rach xx," she ended the post. 

La Grange's heart-warming message resonated with many fans.

Comments flooded in, with Jessica Singh commenting, "Rachel is a gorgeous woman who will be stronger than ever. And I believe she will be more successful cos she is free to soar on eagle's wings."

Deborah Mosime wrote: "Beautiful woman of strength, I adore you. Woman of power and so much more. Your heart of compassion and caring nature. God bless you, Rachel, as you bless others."

Erika de Bruyn said: "You are both remarkable women! I admire both of you."

A few weeks ago, La Grange also congratulated Springboks captain Siya Kolisi on earning his 100th rugby cap.

"100 caps. Congratulations, dear @siyakolisi, I am so proud of you. You have united this country in ways you cannot imagine. Today, we all feel that 100 caps is a personal achievement of a close family member.

"We claim you irrespective of who and what we represent. You have created belonging just like Madiba did. I so wish he could see you fly this high. Well done."