Author and motivational speaker Rachel Kolisi has confirmed she underwent shoulder surgery on Monday, May 18, after recently sparking concern among fans with photos from a hospital bed. Kolisi has since reassured her followers that she is recovering well and expressed gratitude for her robust support system.
Earlier this month, Kolisi posted a series of images from the hospital, surrounded by family and friends, leading to widespread worry. Addressing the speculation, she took to her Instagram Stories to share what she jokingly termed a "proof of life" video. "I thought I would do a proof of life video… and I also thought it would be best to do a video when I was off pain medication. Just to ensure nothing interesting comes out of my mouth," she quipped.
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The "Falling Forward" author confirmed her recovery is progressing positively. "All is well… I'm going to attempt a shower today," she shared, also apologizing for a particularly dramatic hospital photo that had caused extra concern. She clarified that the image was meant to show her children giving her a facial, highlighting a sweet family moment.
Kolisi’s initial Instagram post from the hospital mixed humor with honesty, with captions like, "Took Falling Forward a little too seriously. POV: when you carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. Nothing like morphine and friendship. Doctors said, 'Take a load off.' I got competitive." She later added, "On a serious note, all is well."
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The surgery comes during an exceptionally busy period for Kolisi, who recently launched her book "Falling Forward" while managing motherhood, work commitments, and public appearances. The recovery also necessitated her withdrawal from a scheduled appearance at the Kingsmead Book Fair.
Rachel shares children Nicholas and Keziah with estranged husband Siya Kolisi, and together they also helped raise Siya's younger siblings, Liyema and Liphelo, whom they legally adopted years ago.
Now, a week post-operation, Kolisi is focusing on healing and expressing gratitude. On Instagram, she wrote, "Obviously not ideal. But it is what it is. Made it through the first week post-op, only because I have the most amazing people around me." She concluded, "So grateful for every call, lift, message, meal, kids pick up, homework and and and… Thank you. We move."
