Rachel Kolisi is encouraging South African women to permit themselves to embrace joy, rest, and vulnerability.
Speaking on The Anele Podcast – Her & Now, alongside Anele Mgudlwa and Cindy Poluta, Kolisi reflected on the realities of navigating motherhood in 2026, admitting that there is no guidebook for raising children while balancing life’s many demands.
“Navigating motherhood in 2026 is a constant learning experience,” she said. “The tests are hard, and the lessons can be even harder.”
The candid conversation explored everything from the pressure to be the “perfect” mother to confronting generational trauma and finding balance in an ever-changing world. Rather than portraying motherhood as something to master, Kolisi emphasised that every woman is learning as she goes.
The discussion also echoed themes from her recent five-city Falling Forward Roadshow, which gave women across South Africa a safe space to talk about divorce, loss, career changes and personal reinvention.
“Some of the nights felt like a giant therapy session,” Kolisi said. “It allows for a space to acknowledge that we’re all, at some point or another, dealing with something that’s really life-transforming.”
Beyond emotional well-being, Kolisi continues to champion financial independence, highlighting its importance after years of working with gender-based violence organisations.
“The amount of women remaining in abusive relationships because they do not have financial independence is outstanding,” she said. “If I’ve got a platform, it’s an incredible opportunity to bring that conversation to the forefront.”
For Kolisi, however, the biggest lesson has been allowing herself to choose softness.
“Every single one of us is entitled to joy. We’re entitled to softness. We’re entitled to peace,” she said.
Her message is a powerful reminder that mothers can be fully present for their children while still making space to care for themselves.
IOL
