Rachel Kolisi, co-founder and former CEO of the Kolisi Foundation, has initiated legal proceedings against the organisation by filing a complaint with the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) on March 25, 2025.
According to reports by the Daily Maverick, the complaint alleges "constructive dismissal," asserting that the foundation's board created an intolerable work environment that forced her to resign.
The concept of constructive dismissal in South African labour law refers to situations where an employee resigns due to the employer's conduct, making continued employment unbearable.
In her filing, Kolisi contends that unfair treatment by the foundation's board left her with no choice but to step down.
She is seeking either reinstatement to her former position or compensation for the distress caused by these circumstances.
This development follows the announcement of Rachel Kolisi's departure from the foundation in February 2025.
The Kolisi Foundation, established in 2019 by Rachel and her then-husband, Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, aims to address social inequalities in South Africa.
The foundation's board includes notable figures such as Siya Kolisi, Hannah Sadiki of Bidvest Financial Services, and Ziyanda Ntshona from Poswa Incorporated.
As of now, neither Rachel Kolisi nor the foundation has issued public statements regarding the CCMA proceedings.
This legal action adds complexity to the narrative surrounding the Kolisi Foundation and its leadership dynamics, especially in light of Rachel and Siya Kolisi's divorce, announced in October 2024.
The outcome of this dispute may have significant implications for the foundation's future operations and governance.
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