Siya Kolisi encourages the Class of 2020 to remain positive
"This partnership was important to me because I had a number of challenges growing up in school, challenges that I would like every child to not even consider," he said.
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi conveys a message of perseverance to this year’s matriculating class.
Siya led a webinar with the iStore Meets team on 25 July which spoke to this year’s matriculating class. The iStore has continued to host an array of online workshops all throughout lockdown to keep the community engaged. The free-to-attend workshops were often held at its flagship store in Sandton.
He recently partnered with iSchool Africa which aims to bring the best technology and classroom practices to township and rural schools. “This partnership was important to me because I had a number of challenges growing up in school, challenges that I would like every child to not even consider,” he said.
One of his major challenges was the lack of adequate food to eat on a daily basis. “The one good and full meal that I would get was actually at school.” He added that no matter the obstacle, it was important to surround one’s self with positive people who can keep you motivated on a daily basis.
“If you keep on pushing and keep on following your dreams, you can get through anything.” A big positive force in the professional rugby player’s life was his grandmother. “She was struggling financially at the time but she had everything I needed and more.” Siya also attributed his success to the teachers that he had in school who kept him on track, ensuring that he did his best in academics and sports.
“I was always motivated by my struggles and my challenges to do my best.”When I got the opportunity to go to a model C school I started to see the different worlds, in contrast to being in the township. I then knew that my role continues to revolve around working as hard as I can in the situation that I am in now so that I can give back to my community.” His partnership with iSchool Africa kicked off in his home town, at the very school that he attended. “It felt good to give back to the very school that made me who I am today.”
While the partnership aims to reach many more schools across the country, Siya’s foundation, which he spearheads with his wife Rachel, has worked on easing the strain on young tummies across the country. With the help of donations and sponsors, the Kolisi Foundation has delivered thousands of kilograms of food to a number of disadvantaged communities and schools.
Siya believes that more now than ever, he has a duty to give back. The Rugby World Cup title provided him with a voice that people were willing to listen to and it was up to him to do it justice.
“We were always taught to elevate the people around us; you will never be up on top by yourself. This is why I am so passionate about community and talking to the matriculating class, no matter how difficult this period is, it is here for a reason and it is something that you can learn from.”
He concluded, “I know that there is a lot of work that needs to be done in the township, but it is important that someone is actually doing the work. Then hopefully, those learners will grow up to help more people.”
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