Rachel Kolisi's bittersweet TikTok: kids' first solo trip to see dad hits home
Image: Instagram.
Rachel Kolisi recently shared a TikTok video that captured the bittersweet moment of her children embarking on their first solo journey to visit their father, Siya Kolisi, captain of the Springboks.
The video encapsulates the logistical realities of parenting and the emotional complexities that come with navigating divorce.
Married for eight years, Rachel and Siya tied the knot in 2016 and announced their separation in October 2024.
As they adjust to their new realities, Rachel has taken to social media to express her feelings.
"In the process of getting divorced, today was the first time my kids flew to see their dad without me. It was hard," she said in her video, sharing snippets of their last days before the airport drop-off.
Rachel also reflected on the emotional weight of packing for her children's adventure.
"It's only a few days, so packing was light. Never going to feel normal packing for my kids to leave. I braid my daughter's hair so it doesn't need to be brushed while she's away ... Sasha Fierce, of course, went with the longest braids she could find 738 hours at the salon later," she laughed.
As the night before their departure unfolded, Rachel shared her struggle with anxiety, revealing a glimpse into her mental health journey.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Next
Stay
Close ✕
"This part (the night before) and when they leave is usually the hardest ... Slept three hours and decided to call my gran and ask if she'd like to go away with me while the kids are away. She said yes, so feeling better that I won't be alone."
In an emotional climax, Rachel encountered her second anxiety attack while preparing for her day: "Very swiftly moved into my 2nd ever anxiety attack. Headed to the airport ... Five minutes before my first meeting - it was a rough day for numerous reasons. Heading to bed early and I'll try again tomorrow."
Rachel's ability to share both her joys and struggles in a relatable manner not only humanises the challenges of transitioning to a new familial structure but also fosters a sense of community among those navigating similar circumstances.
Fans took to the comments to offer her their support.
"You can do this, queen. God's got your back," said Brlllsh Empire.
@Haylay wrote: "Whole of South Africa is here for you."
@tahnurmica said: South Africa is behind you, mama. This chapter isn't the end, it's a turning point and even though you didn't choose this storm, you will rise in it softer, wiser and stronger. One day, you'll look back andsee that even here God was holding you."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
14 minutes ago
- IOL News
Too much of a good thing? The matcha fried rice trend takes a turn
Matcha, the finely ground Japanese green tea powder known for its calming properties and health benefits, is having a moment right now. Image: Pixabay Scrolling through social media these days feels like stepping into a digital food festival, one where creativity often walks hand in hand with chaos. We've seen everything from rainbow bagels to charcoal ice cream, but just when you think you've seen it all, along comes … matcha fried rice. But here's the thing: while matcha lattes are one thing, the internet has now decided to test just how far matcha can go, and matcha fried rice might just be proof that not every food trend is worth trying. Matcha, the finely ground Japanese green tea powder known for its calming properties and health benefits, is having a moment right now. From iced lattes and cheesecakes to croissants and even skincare masks, it's everywhere. But have we finally reached peak matcha? A recent viral video on Instagram seems to suggest so. Shared by food creator @foodmakescalhappy, the clip shows a home cook whipping up fried rice with a generous spoonful of matcha powder tossed right in. Alongside usual suspects like soy sauce, garlic, miso, wasabi and eggs, the vibrant green powder turns the dish into something that looks part superfood, part science experiment. His verdict? Let's just say the taste didn't match(a) the hype. 'Matcha fried rice, sigh,' the creator wrote, admitting the flavours just clashed, the cook confessed in the caption. The taste was described as bitter and oddly clashing, proving that not every mash-up is destined to be delicious. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Social media's obsession with 'too much matcha' It's easy to laugh this off, but something is fascinating about why so many people, nearly 100 000 viewers and counting, can't stop watching. Maybe it's the colour, maybe it's the shock factor, or maybe it's because matcha feels so healthy that even when we go too far, we hope it might still be good for us. Matcha is popular because it's rich in antioxidants, especially catechins, which can help protect against cell damage. It's also been linked to improved heart health and even boosted brain function, according to studies. But experts also caution: adding it to everything isn't always a good idea, especially in large amounts. Too much matcha can make foods bitter and can irritate the stomach. Matcha, like other teas, contains caffeine and tannins, which can irritate the stomach lining and increase stomach acid production, especially when consumed on an empty stomach. Additionally, the high levels of chlorophyll in matcha can have a mild laxative effect, potentially leading to digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals Shared by food creator @foodmakescalhappy, the clip shows a home cook whipping up fried rice with a generous spoonful of matcha powder tossed right in. Image: Instagram The comment section: comedy gold, of course, what really makes this trend go viral isn't the recipe, it's the reactions. The internet's sense of humour never disappoints, and the comment section turned into a meme party almost instantly: 'I'll call the police and ambulance.' 'Not the kind of greens I imagined for rice.' 'This is illegal.' 'Bro, I have the same matcha and was just thinking of cooking this last week.' It's part cringe, part community. We watch these strange food trends not because we plan to copy them, but because they give us a moment to laugh, feel connected, and wonder: 'Who thought this was a good idea?' Why we love (and sometimes hate) food fads Food psychologist Dr Rachel Herz, author of Why You Eat What You Eat, explains why we're hooked: 'Novelty excites our brains. Even if the idea is repulsive, we're driven by curiosity.' Social media accelerates this because it rewards what's weird, colourful and clickable sometimes more than what's tasty. This trend also plays into what experts call food neophobia and food neophilia, the push and pull between our instinct to avoid unusual foods and our thrill of trying something new. But is matcha fried rice good for you? On paper, matcha has plenty of health benefits. However, once you start adding wasabi, miso, garlic and soy sauce, your dish can become a salty, bitter mess. And no number of antioxidants can fully fix that.
IOL News
4 hours ago
- IOL News
Could Chelsea's stunning triumph over PSG mark start of new era under Enzo Maresca?
Chelsea's English defender Reece James lifts the Fifa Club World Cup trophy with teammates and US President Donald Trump after the final against PSG at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday. Photo: AFP Image: AFP Liverpool couldn't do it. Nor could Arsenal. Milan conceded five. Even the mighty Real Madrid fell short, humbled in unforgettable fashion. But Chelsea could — when few had given them a chance. Enzo Maresca's Blues did to PSG what PSG have done to countless big names in a remarkable recent run that included Uefa Champions League glory as part of a magnificent treble for Luis Enrique's all-conquering team. The quadruple was on, by all accounts, when PSG swept Madrid aside with a devastating opening salvo in the Fifa Club World Cup semi-final in the US. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Chelsea, meanwhile, were quietly going about their business in the other half of the draw, adding key puzzle pieces along the way. But it was the addition of striker Joao Pedro from Brighton that would have the most immediate impact. The Brazilian has underlined the value of investing in proven Premier League talent, with three goals in his first two matches in blue — and a 'major' title to boot. Talk about a dream debut. The likes of Arsenal, and others currently hunting for top marksmen in the transfer window, should take note. The spectacular return to form of talisman Cole Palmer only bodes well for Chelsea's future after an inconsistent campaign last season. Palmer had PSG left-back Nuno Mendes in his pocket — he may still be there — as he pulled the strings for the Blues all night. That is no mean feat, with the Portuguese defender widely regarded as one of the best in his position. A long time coming Moises Caicedo has rediscovered the dominant midfield form he showed at Brighton, breaking up attacks and driving Chelsea forward. Captain Enzo Fernandez, too, is thriving in a more advanced role. Suddenly, there is a balance to Maresca's team that had been sorely lacking last season, when they often looked rudderless and without identity. If they can carry their recent form into the new campaign, the Europa Conference League winners could become dark horses for the Premier League title and other honours. It's a bold statement — but to put their run into perspective, Chelsea have only lost two of their past 15 matches in all competitions. That includes a statement win over Arne Slot's Liverpool, albeit a Reds side that may already have been in holiday mode. While the jury is still out on the Fifa showcase in the US — especially in the UK — there is no denying that something special is brewing in west London. There's even a case to be made for installing Chelsea as favourites to challenge Liverpool, particularly with Manchester City's recent struggles and perennial runners-up Arsenal's continued failure to make the leap. That said, it's hard to look beyond a repeat success for the Merseyside outfit. Fifa's big show — but at what cost? The sublime display from the Stamford Bridge outfit in the final will have delighted their fans. But as a spectacle, the showpiece itself left much to be desired — and raised uncomfortable questions ahead of next year's expanded Club World Cup. The half-time show, for one, dragged on interminably and raised fears about the creeping Americanisation of the beautiful game. The extended closing ceremony had already caused a delayed kick-off, and one can only imagine the frustration in the dressing rooms as players were made to wait for the show — or charade — to end. It seems we are not far off from a time when the headline act at football finals is the half-time entertainment, not the footballers — as has long been the case in American football. Perish the thought.
IOL News
15 hours ago
- IOL News
Would you bite? Burger popsicles divide the internet with bizarre summer trend
A food vlogger has sparked a wave of intrigue and amusement across social media platforms with a viral video demonstrating the process of turning cheeseburgers into frozen treats on a stick. Image: Juliette Instagram From bustling street stalls to gourmet kitchens, the burger has evolved into a global culinary icon, symbolising creativity and comfort in countless delicious forms. Once confined to the fast-food world, this savory favorite is now carefully crafted with inventive toppings and artisanal buns, delighting food lovers from every corner. However, the internet has recently introduced an unusual twist to this beloved staple: burger popsicles. Yes, you read that correctly. A chef has sparked a wave of intrigue and amusement across social media platforms with a viral video demonstrating the process of turning cheeseburgers into frozen treats on a stick. In the now-famous clip, the chef starts by layering ground beef into a mould, followed by a generous helping of shredded cheese, crunchy lettuce and tangy pickles. The whimsical concoction is then finished off with dollops of ketchup and mustard before being placed in the freezer overnight. The result? Cheeseburger popsicles, which the chef touts as the "perfect poolside meal and ideal for summer parties." Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The video has since reached millions of views, largely due to its outrageous premise. While some viewers seem intrigued by this frozen feast, the reaction has been overwhelmingly mixed. Commentators on social media shared a barrage of humorous responses that reflect their bewilderment. One user quipped, 'I don't want a cold cheeseburger,' while another expressed disbelief, stating, 'Y'all just be doing anything lol.' Further adding to the amusement, another user joked about the unique blend of flavours, saying, 'Love getting down to the bottom and just biting condiments.' Others echoed similar sentiments, with comments like, 'Never going to this party,' and a cheeky, 'Straight to jail.' Clearly, for many, the mere idea of that frozen delicacy is enough to raise eyebrows and create laughter. As this unconventional culinary creation gains traction, it vividly underscores how food trends can transcend cultural norms and provoke diverse reactions. Whether seen as a creative adventure or a culinary faux pas, burger popsicles are capturing the curiosity - and occasional disdain - of diners everywhere, reminding us that the world of food is always ripe for experimentation.
