Recently, a group of women gathered for an in-depth and personal discussion featuring two prominent figures from the country: Rachel Colisi and renowned chef Siba Mongana. The conversation took place following the screening of the documentary 'Falling Forward,' which is part of a national tour organized by Colisi after her divorce from South African rugby captain Siya Colisi.
Colisi, a mother of four, entrepreneur, author, and change initiator, organized the event with her team, the Falling Forward Foundation, at the Artscape Theatre Centre in Cape Town on Saturday, August 15th. This event was held as part of the Artscape Festival of Humanity for women's center.
The event was designed to inspire, unite, and motivate women from diverse segments of society. The Foundation brings together South African organizations to achieve a common goal—creating lasting change. The meeting included an intimate live conversation, stories, inspiring speeches, a carefully curated market showcasing incredible women-owned businesses, prizes, and meaningful moments of connection.
Colisi emphasized that the documentary would never be available for streaming. She stated: 'It will only be shown in these halls because I want to keep my story safe.'
Siba Mongana's Experience
Mongana noted that during the conversation, authentic connection, rather than fame, was the priority, allowing participants to see the lives of these women outside of public scrutiny. The discussion focused on the challenges of maintaining personal identity while being in the spotlight. Mongana spoke openly about the harsh reality of public judgment, addressing the unfair assumptions and labels often placed on public women.
She highlighted persistent misconceptions about her career, noting that many ignored her academic background—a degree in Food and Consumer Science—as well as the years of hard work she invested in building her path. Rachel Colisi and Siba Mongana shared messages of resilience and community.
'Because I was born who I am,' said Mongana. 'I always had to work harder to prove that I was a thinking person, that I had brains, and that I was resourceful.'
Both women shared poignant reflections on the difficulty of experiencing grief under public observation. Mongana recounted the loss of her mother, describing the immense pressure to maintain composure, which often left no room for genuine healing.
Colisi's Call for Kindness
Colisi supported this view, stressing the need for empathy in the digital age, where social media often favors quick, sharp comments over human understanding. Mongana reminded the audience: 'We are all human,' advocating for a culture where kindness is the norm, not skepticism.
The event shifted the focus to the future and the urgent need for mutual support among women in leadership. Colisi outlined her vision for her work, expressing a desire to create a community where women could pause, rest, and regain strength. She stressed that the goal is not just personal success but empowering women to lead in all spheres—from home to the political arena—and providing the necessary support system to 'move forward' and recover.
Leila Kolbe
Leila, wife of South African rugby player Cheslin and friend of Colisi, reported that Colisi is fulfilling her dream of inspiring women. She said: 'It is so good to see her moving forward. I saw her in the trenches, and seeing her move forward and inspire so many women. It prompted me to come here, out of this theatre, to want to do more.'
