Cape Town – Rachel Kolisi has spoken out about gender-based violence (GBV) following the deaths of women whose bodies have been discovered in and around Kempton Park in recent weeks.
The former wife of Springbok captain Siya Kolisi took to Instagram to express her anger and exhaustion over the killings, which have prompted a major police investigation and renewed concerns about femicide in South Africa.
“Let’s just be clear. It’s femicide,” Rachel said.
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She added: “I feel sick. Exhausted.”
Rachel also referred to the upcoming local government elections, saying she wanted political parties to demonstrate action against violence towards women.
“We’re voting on the 4th November. At this point, I’ll vote for any party that is actively doing something to address the femicide,” she said.
Police are investigating a series of deaths in and around Kempton Park and Ekurhuleni. Authorities have identified similarities between some of the cases but have not confirmed whether the deaths are linked or whether they involve a single perpetrator.
The investigation has since been intensified, with a multidisciplinary team examining evidence and possible connections between the cases. Police have also urged women in the affected areas to exercise caution, particularly when walking or running alone in isolated areas.
Rachel, who has previously used her platform to raise awareness about GBV, also reflected on her experience protesting following the 2019 murder and rape of Uyinene Mrwetyana.
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“I remember the president coming to address us with promises and then being told to disperse. When we refused, we were shot at,” she said.
Rachel said the experience influenced her decision to dedicate much of her work to fighting GBV.
“This was seven years ago. Since then, I dedicated much of my work to the GBV fight,” she said, adding that non-profit organisations doing work she believes should be supported by government often struggle with funding and broader support.
She urged South Africans to support organisations working to combat violence against women, even when the issue is not receiving widespread attention.
“I know it feels so, so heavy for us. Let’s use this as an opportunity to support those who fight this fight even when it’s not making headlines,” she said.
Rachel and Siya Kolisi have previously used their public platforms and the Kolisi Foundation to support initiatives addressing GBV and other social issues.
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Picture: Instagram/ Rachel Kolisi
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Compiled by Glaan Sibuyi
