Heart-warming reunion: Zelda La Grange says Rachel Kolisi's 'prettier by the day'

Zelda La Grange, the former private secretary to Nelson Mandela, recently took to social media to share her admiration for Rachel Kolisi, affectionately known as South Africa's "first lady" of rugby. Their recent reunion served as a poignant reminder of the strength and grace that Kolisi embodies, a spirit that resonates deeply within the nation.

La Grange, an accomplished author, international motivational speaker, and co-presenter on kykNET's lifestyle and current affairs talk show, "Tussen Ons", met Kolisi for a long-overdue catch-up. In her heartfelt Facebook post, she described Kolisi as someone who "just gets prettier by the day," setting the tone for an emotionally rich tribute.

The two women's journey together dates back to 2015, during the Rugby World Cup held in England. La Grange reminisced about their first encounter, noting Kolisi's unwavering dedication as a mother. "For the entire 5-6 hours we were at the stadium, she carried Nic in her arms. He was asleep most of the time. I admired her physical strength to carry a big boy around like that. My back ached just looking at it. It was clear that she was to be a dedicated and wonderful mother," La Grange wrote, encapsulating the essence of Kolisi's nurturing spirit.

However, it was Kolisi's compassion that left a lasting impression on La Grange. “The most striking thing about Rachel Kolisi is how she cares for people she will never even meet. She stops halfway through a conversation with an urgency to want to help everyone," La Grange continued. Her words highlight the profound impact Kolisi has on those around her, demonstrating a sense of empathy that goes beyond personal relationships.

La Grange concluded her tribute with a powerful message of pride and support, stating, "She still has so much to do, and I know she will singularly bring about massive change through her caring spirit. Proud of you Rach xx." This sentiment resonated widely, sparking an influx of supportive comments from fans who echoed La Grange's admiration.

Jessica Singh praised Kolisi, saying, "Rachel is a gorgeous woman who will be stronger than ever. And I believe she will be more successful because she is free to soar on eagle's wings." Others, like Deborah Mosime, expressed their adoration for Kolisi as a figure of strength and compassion, while Erika de Bruyn lauded both women as remarkable individuals.

In a previous post, La Grange had congratulated Springboks captain Siya Kolisi on achieving his 100th rugby cap. "100 caps. Congratulations, dear @siyakolisi, I am so proud of you. You have united this country in ways you cannot imagine. Today, we all feel that 100 caps is a personal achievement of a close family member," she wrote, reinforcing the notion that Kolisi's achievements go beyond the field and contribute to a sense of national identity and unity.