Rachel Kolisi's new car sparks speculation

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Rachel Kolisi’s new car announcement – an “upgrade” from her Yaris – has been met with speculation from many South Africans who questioned her motives.

The former wife of Springbok captain Siya Kolisi revealed her new set of wheels this week courtesy of a brand deal with Chinese car manufacturer Jetour.

Last month, the mother-of-two described driving the used car as a “humbling” experience.

Rachel and Siya announced their divorce last October and have been navigating life as single parents.

RACHEL KOLISI: WAS YARIS MOVE A PLOY?

On Friday, 20 June, Rachel Kolisi posted images on her Instagram account of her new car, a brand new SUV, courtesy of Jetour.

The brand deal was made possible through Livingstone Sports Management, the same company her brother, sports agent Joel Smith, works for.

Rachel previously had an endorsement deal with Mercedes-Benz, which sponsored luxury cars for both her and her former husband, Siya Kolisi. However, the deal likely ended shortly before Rachel announced her “humbling” decision to drive a Toyota Yaris in an Instagram post she swiftly deleted.

With Rachel Kolisi bagging a new deal – with a sports agency no less, many are wondering if her “Yaris” post was merely a ploy to attract sponsorship and public sympathy.

Rachel Kolisi deleted an IG post about her modest car. Was it a ploy for ‘public sympathy’?
Images via Instagram: @rachelkolisi

X user @camagumayeye_ posted: “I’m starting to think the Yaris thing was a ploy to attract brands”.

Another @XolieMahlangu added: “She knew what she was doing. I love me a smart woman.”

@TboozeSA posted: “It was a clever move. Good business on her side”, while @TakatsoLisbeth added: “That Yaris was a paid actor”.

DIVORCE SETTLEMENT: HALF OF SIYA’S FORTUNE?

Meanwhile, reports claim that Rachel Kolisi could be entitled to half of Siya’s wealth amid their high-profile divorce.

According to Pulse Sports, the former Springbok WAG could walk away with as much as R17.5 million – half of Siya’s estimated net worth – in the settlement.

The couple is believed to be married in community of property.

Fans have taken sides in the Siya and Rachel Kolisi Foundation controversy.
Images via Instagram: @rachelkolisi/ @siyakolisi

In 2019, Rachel and Siya established their joint charity, The Kolisi Foundation. However, earlier this year, Rachel claimed that she was pressured to leave her post as CEO at the NGO.

In a complaint filed with the CCMA, Rachel claimed “constructive dismissal”, alleging that her working conditions became “intolerable”, “forcing” her to resign. She is seeking reinstatement or compensation for the distress caused by her resignation.

Although Rachel’s source of income is unclear, she and her two children, as well as Siya’s two siblings, continue to live in their Cape Town home. Siya lives in a Ballito mansion in KwaZulu-Natal, where he plays for the Sharks.