Introducing our Sports and Tech issue cover star Siya Kolisi

Written by: Sanelisiwe Maliza 

From the 2023 documentary Rise: The Siya Kolisi Story and an unauthorised autobiography of the same name to dominating newspaper headlines, most people are well aware of Siyamthanda Kolisi’s life story. Born in 1991, the Springbok captain grew up in Zwide, Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), facing adversity through his youth. However, it was rugby that gave him his big break, having been awarded a scholarship to Grey Boys High, which kicked off his awe-inspiring rugby career.

From Craven Week high school rugby games to the fields of Zwide, the flanker and forward was always the one to watch. “From the time he arrived at Grey, which was around the age of 13, he stood out. That’s when we started hearing about him even before we played against him. I think he played SA schools in grades 11 and 12, which isn’t common. Most people who play for SA schools play for one year,” says Songezo, a former high school rugby player.

About 21 years later, uGqwashu (a nickname derived from his clan name) is more than just a talented rugby player. The day he ran on the field as the first Black captain of the South African national rugby team, Siya morphed into something more. An icon. A symbol of hope. As rugby commentator Kaunda Ntunja captured in that moment in 2018, when the Springboks played England, “This young man represents the black nation. He represents us all. Siya is our grandson, our nephew... uGqwashu, uGixya. He is our leader. A cement truck without a reverse gear.”

This auspicious moment was only the beginning for the man from the Windy City. Under his leadership, the Springboks have broken records and achieved Rugby World Cup glory. Twice. Despite his undeniable talent, it is his values and personality off the field that has captured the hearts of fellow players and South Africans alike.

Sevens rugby legend and Stormers player, Seabelo Senatla reflects on the time he played with Kolisi. “Siya has the ability to bring people together. He was somewhat the glue within our team. He would bring all sorts of people together that come from different backgrounds. He had the ability to be liked by everyone and respected by everyone. He used that super power and kind of got everyone to work together,” he says. “It was his abilities off the field that made him an outlier.”

His impact is undeniable, especially for young Black rugby players. “Siya’s journey has had a profound impact on my life because his story mirrors my own. Like him, I come from Delft, a small township in Cape Town, where opportunities are scarce and challenges are plenty. What stands out most is how his imperfections and struggles early in life didn’t define him — they shaped him. His resilience, leadership and ability to rise above adversity inspire me daily, proving that where you come from doesn’t determine where you can go,” says budding Rondebosch Boys High School flanker and SA Schools U18 player, Alutha Wesi.

“From Siya, I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about being perfect; it’s about resilience, humility and lifting up those around you. His ability to stay calm under pressure has taught me the value of composure in tough moments. His work ethic reminds me that talent alone isn’t enough; hard work and discipline set you apart. Most importantly, he’s shown me that no matter where you come from, you can rise, inspire and make a difference.”

In Rise, Siya describes his living conditions during his childhood, where he shared a small home with a large family. Often, we would get picked on for not having school shoes, or wearing his grandmother’s shoes instead. To help make ends meet, he sold tomatoes and bricks. The tomatoes were the harder job, Siya says. “You used to get robbed every now and then, and then the tomato lady used to say you’re lying, you stole the money, so you never got paid.”

He continues, “I also worked at a tavern for a little bit. I was a bartender. That was scary. ’Cause someone used to throw teargas into the tavern and I was working the till. They did it just for fun. Or someone used to get stabbed at the door of the tavern. I was 16 then, can you believe it? I was at Grey then.”

He further describes in his autobiography his struggles with hunger as a child, how he would often only have sugar water to settle his upset stomach. This personal encounter with lack of food inspires one of the biggest missions of the Kolisi Foundation — alleviating hunger for South Africans. The Foundation also focuses on providing holistic solutions to GBV, food security and education and sport.

While he continues to inspire the younger generation, the South African rugby captain has no plans to retire yet. “While I am doing what I am doing, I want to give it my best. I always want to achieve more. The pressure comes from me. Many people wonder, ‘Why is he still playing?’ Well I am good enough, I am still pushing hard and I still have the drive to wake up in the morning and achieve,” he says. “When I do feel like I can’t compete, I am not going to force it. You also have to be grateful. It will be hard [to retire] because this is what I have done for a long time. But I am honest with myself. If I am not good enough, I will call it.”

Albeit far off for Siya, life after rugby is something...

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