Rachel Kolisi vs Enhle Mbali: South Africans pick sides over 'divorce drama'

The South African

01-06-2025

An Instagram post by Rachel Kolisi, the former wife of Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, has had many social media users comparing her to Enhle Mbali, who similarly went through a high-profile divorce from her ex, DJ Black Coffee.
Both women have been outspoken about their marriage splits and navigating the way forward as single moms. However, they've received different reactions from the public.
Rachel announced her split from Siya last October after eight years of marriage. Enhle and Black Coffee – real name Nkosinathi Maphumalo – called time on their nuptials in 2019 after tying the knot in a traditional wedding ceremony in 2011. Both women have two children with their exes.
Like actress Enhle Mbali, Rachel Kolisi has been subjected to social media commentary about what led to their marriage split from their successful husbands.
Rachel's recent Instagram post about being forced to drive an older car, a Toyota Yaris, had many South Africans wondering if it had anything to do with Siya Kolisi and their divorce settlement.
But while many have sypathised with the former Springbok WAG, others have called out the double standards of treatment towards Enhle Mbali.
Enhle – who publicly accused her ex of cheating, being physically, verbally, and financially abusive – was unfairly branded a 'liar', a 'gold-digger', and an 'opportunist'. The actress was also criticised for demanding a hefty sum in child support and spousal maintenance.
Here's a look at the mixed views from social media users about Rachel Kolisi vs Enhle Mbali divorce saga…
@Puse_Maseko: 'Rachel must get a C-Class, but Enhle must be left in a house with no electricity?'
@trashdube: 'Rachel did a lot for black people, changed many lives. Your Enhle? It was all about Dubai and designer clothes'.
@itsjustcebo: 'Rachel can be calm because she didnt go through what Enhle did. Black women are always treated the worst, then labelled as bitter'.
@Lech67719389: 'Rachel Kolisi went the amicable solution route and kept it clean. Enhle Mbali made it a public spectacle and tried to milk sympathy.'
@kokiiniezer1: 'Everyone feeling sorry for Rachel Kolisi but couldn't afford Enhle the same grace'.
While their circumstances differ, both Enhle Mbali and Rachel Kolisi have spoken about their partners being away from home for extended periods due to their high-profile jobs.
While Rachel has hinted that Siya may have cheated on her during their marriage, Enhle has publicly accused her ex of being unfaithful.
Speaking to 702's Relebogile Mabotja recently, she said: 'I'm proud of how I handled my marriage. I never cheated, not once, until the day I decided to leave because I could no longer take the punishment to myself.
'It's multi-layered. But my non-negotiable was children in a marriage. Once there were two children by two different women, I said, 'You don't love me. In fact, you're going to kill me.
'I lost a lot of respect for my partner. I forgave him for the apologies I never got, I forgave myself.'
During their marriage, Black Coffee reportedly fathered multiple children with different women. He has never confirmed or denied the news.
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