Rolene Mille (founder of Mosaic) Rachel Kolisi, Tarisai Mchuchu-MacMillan (managing director of Mosaic) and Rozita (a survivor)
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Although the last 30 years have seen a positive change in the fight against gender-based violence, organisations like Mosaic still have to overcome many challenges.
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“I want to see myself worked out of a job.” These were the ambitious words from the cofounder of the Kolisi Foundation when asked where she sees the foundation in 30 years’ time.
Rachel Kolisi, CEO and cofounder of the Kolisi Foundation, managing director and businesswoman, is also a keynote speaker who has earned herself a name as a public figure. She is known as South Africa’s first lady of sport. This kind and soft-spoken, slim-figured woman is ambitious. She radiates a positive nature. Being married to the captain of the Springbok rugby team does not stop Rachel from showing up and having her own goals: “We all have a responsibility, with or without a platform,” says she.
On the eve of Women’s Day, Rachel Kolisi appeared on stage as a guest speaker at the 30-year celebration gala dinner of Mosaic with Lebohang Masango. During the event, tribute was given not only to the survivors of violence against women and children, but also to the key people involved in making a foundation like Mosaic a success. Mosaic exists to empower women and girl survivors of domestic violence and abuse by creating and enabling environments for them that support them through their healing process, and ensuring that they become positive, active drivers of change in their own lives.
Rachel Kolisi with Lebohang Masango
Rachel told attendees the story of how, in a hotel corridor, she and her rugby player husband Siya Kolisi had a date night as they shared the sentiment that they needed to, in some way or another, help to make a change. The Kolisi Foundation was born, without a cause or mission statement, that night. It soon grew, and when funders came on board, the foundation could spread its wings and found itself in a position to support other organisations.
South Africans are no strangers to the impact of abuse, be it violent, verbal or financial. It happens. Brutality has become a norm in our lives. Organisations like Mosaic, with the aid of funders and foundations like the Kolisi Foundation, turn victims into survivors. Says Rachel: “You should not have to fear for your life.”
Dressed in red in a design by Pieces to Peace, an organisation that Mosaic partners with, Rachel Kolisi was much applauded. Attendees flocked to her for photographs, and this gracious lady kept smiling and interacting, showing only a wellspring of compassion for everyone seeking her attention. On stage, in conversation with Lebohang Masango, Rachel emphasised the importance of collaboration, asking attendees to commit to the cause, and saying that change relies on each and every one of us taking part in the fight against gender-based violence.
Rachel says the Kolisi Foundation takes pride in taking hands with Mosaic. The partnership was initiated just over two years ago, and they have been in a successful collaboration since. We all have a job to do, though: “Get informed and make sure you know the different kinds of abuse. There are people and organisations out there who care about you and your experience.”
Rachel explained that the mission and drive of the Kolisi Foundation, which is four and a half years old, is to change the stories of inequality in South Africa and to see thriving communities: “It is a massive job that we are trying to achieve.” She says they do this in three different focus areas: food security, gender-based violence as well as the development of education and sport. The foundation partners with organisations like Mosaic to achieve its goals.
Although the last 30 years have seen a positive change in the fight against gender-based violence, organisations like Mosaic still have to overcome many challenges. Rachel emphasised that there is still a lot that needs to happen and a lot of support that needs to be given to women. In this light, the commitment that organisations like Mosaic have shown in their mission to keep women safe should be applauded.
Not a stranger to abuse herself, Rachel says that the statistics will tell us that almost every woman in South Africa has experienced gender-based violence in one form or another, hence the need for continuous support: “It is important that we continue the conversation, have it front and centre. It is important to have these conversations with our friends, family and those who need to be part of the journey.”
Rachel is a tea lover and prefers steak to pizza – blue rather than rare, please. She is a night owl and would choose dogs over cats. Her favourite saying is: “This, too, shall pass.” Rachel Kolisi is a woman who does not need to be defined by her rugby star husband. She is inspirational and driven by the passion to help women in need to have support and a place of safety. She boldly invites us to stand up and be part of the change.