Rachel Kolisi appointed as new Kolisi Foundation CEO

The Kolisi Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Rachel Kolisi as the new Chief Executive Officer. Humanitarian, Businesswoman, and Co-Founder of the Kolisi Foundation, Rachel will succeed Mahlatse Mashua and assume responsibilities on Friday 30 September 2022. Rachel is a visionary, dedicated to the thriving of humanity. The Foundation was birthed through Siya and Rachel’s desire to change the story of inequality in South Africa, and Rachel comes to this role with a compassionate heart willing to respond, caring hands ready to serve, and a clear head ready to learn.

“I am looking forward to stepping into this new role as CEO of the Kolisi Foundation. Siya and I founded the Foundation with a dream and a vision. We jumped in with enthusiasm, taking on the mantle of being part of the change we want to see in our beautiful country. We are so grateful to our founding CEO, Mahlatse, for the incredible leadership and vision he has demonstrated over the last two years to bring the Foundation to where it is today. I am excited and encouraged to continue lead the Foundation with passion and purpose,” says Rachel Kolisi.

Over the last two years, the Kolisi Foundation has grown phenomenally. The Foundation has clarified its organisational mission and vision, defined programmatic focus areas, and instituted strong governance systems. The Foundation has built a dedicated team with a wealth of experience and expertise in non-profit management, programme development, research, communications, marketing, finance and partnerships. The relationships with partners – both implementing and resourcing – is one of its biggest achievements and has gone from strength to strength, bolstered by deep commitment to horizontal learning, research and best practice which informs the programmatic work.

The Kolisi Foundation has expressed its sincere gratitude to founding CEO, Mahlatse, for the way he has guided the Foundation through its inception to where it is today. It is no small feat to ‘build a plane while it is flying’ – but Mahlatse has done so impeccably and with great integrity. “It has been such an honour to lead the Kolisi Foundation in its first two years of life. From early mornings offloading truckloads of relief grocery distributions in rural Eastern Cape during COVID lockdown, to establishing an exceptional team, policies, procedures and partnerships to sustain the Foundation going forward, I am filled with gratitude for the privilege of guiding the organisation through its infancy to where it is today. I am excited about Rachel stepping into this role and taking the Foundation to new depths and to new heights. Rachel brings energy, vision and a strong bias to action to the role.  She embodies so many of the Kolisi Foundation’s values,” shares Mahlatse.

Mahlatse has been asked by the board of directors to join the Board of the Kolisi Foundation. Rachel reflected on the appointment, saying “Mahlatse has forged significant partnerships, laid solid foundations for growth, and embedded our values into our work and our team.  I will continue to collaborate with him as his presence on the board will contribute to our ongoing work and I look forward to his wisdom, charisma and passion continuing to support the Kolisi Foundation as he steps into this governance role.”

The Kolisi Foundation believes in the power of collaboration – between partners, funders, and across communities. The Foundation’s mission is encompassed by knowing that it is able to do more together than alone. The team is currently working on several projects and campaigns to create pathways for sustainability and success.

“Over the coming months, we look forward to further unpacking the vision and the strategic direction of the Kolisi Foundation. This is an exciting transition for us, and we anticipate all the next season holds as we continue to Remember the one, one by one,” says Rachel Kolisi. 

Rachel Kolisi will take up the position of CEO of the Kolisi Foundation on 30 September 2022.

Download the Press Release here