• Sun. Nov 30th, 2025
Rachel Kolisi and the Joe Slovo Secondary School childenRachel Kolisi helped open young eyes—and futures—in Slovo by delivering much-needed vision tests and glasses to learners in need. Picture: Instagram@RachelKolisi

When it comes to showing up where it counts, Rachel Kolisi is proving—once again—that she’s not just a powerhouse off the field, but a real-life heroine in the hearts of many.

The philanthropist and co-founder of the Kolisi Foundation recently turned her focus to the learners at Joe Slovo Secondary School in Cape Town, where she helped bring a whole new meaning to “seeing is believing.”

In partnership with local optometrists, Rachel arranged for nearly 100 learners to receive vision screenings and 15 students were identified as needing glasses. This week, each of them received and were fitted with their own pair, bringing clarity not just to their sight, but to their dreams.

Rachel Kolisi holding a 'Joe Slovo Secondary School' student who just got fitted with new glasses. Picture: Instagram@RachelKolisi
Rachel Kolisi holding a ‘Joe Slovo Secondary School’ student who just got fitted with new glasses. Picture: Instagram@RachelKolisi

Proud moment for Rachel

Never one to keep a good story to herself, Rachel took to Instagram to share the heartwarming update with her followers.

This is what she wrote:

“You will remember a few weeks ago I was asking you guys to donate to a healthcare day, where we serviced 300 people with premium healthcare in Joe Slovo with @res_healthcare and @shawco_uct .

@mullersoptometrists said they would be willing to support to, unfortunately they couldn’t be there on the day, but went back to the school and tested close to 100 children’s vision, 15 were identified needing glasses and we delivered and fitted them” she wrote.

A proud learner from Joe Slovo Secondary School all smiles as she's showing off her brand-new pair of glasses. Picture: Instagram@RachelKolisi
A proud learner from ‘Joe Slovo Secondary School’ all smiles as she’s showing off her brand-new pair of glasses. Picture: Instagram@RachelKolisi

Life changing moment for one of the learners

As this was a moment to change lives, Rachel shared how one learner from Joe Slovo Secondary School had believed she was meant to be blind.

In her post, Rachel continued writing:

“One of the girls said she knows she’s destined for greatness, and her marks are so good, but she believed she was meant to be blind, because she couldn’t see the board and would copy off the girl next to her.

I am working on another 2 healthcare days with @res_healthcare and @shawco_uct – I will keep you all updated on how you can support if you are able. So grateful to you all for making this possible!,” she wrote.

A fresh set of glasses generously donated to 'Joe Slovo Secondary School' by Rachel Kolisi and local optometrists. Picture: Instagram@RachelKolisi
A fresh set of glasses generously donated to ‘Joe Slovo Secondary School’ by Rachel Kolisi and local optometrists. Picture: Instagram@RachelKolisi
A group photo of 'Joe Slovo Secondary School' learners with Rachel Kolisi and everyone who helped make this vision care initiative possible. Picture: Instagram@RachelKolisi
A group photo of ‘Joe Slovo Secondary School’ learners with Rachel Kolisi and everyone who helped make this vision care initiative possible. Picture: Instagram@RachelKolisi
A joyful learner beams proudly wearing her brand-new glasses. Picture: Instagram@RachelKolisi
A joyful learner beams proudly wearing her brand-new glasses. Picture: Instagram@RachelKolisi
Rachel Kolisi and a partner in the initiative speaking at 'Joe Slovo Secondary School' in Cape Town. Picture: Instagram@RachelKolisi
Rachel Kolisi and a partner in the initiative speaking at ‘Joe Slovo Secondary’ School in Cape Town. Picture: Instagram@RachelKolisi

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By Asanda Mbayimbayi

Asanda Mbayimbayi is an award-winning Lifestyle News Editor and Journalist celebrated for her dynamic voice in digital lifestyle, entertainment, and hard news journalism. Honoured with the Galliova People’s Hero 2025 Award for her authentic storytelling and powerful connection with audiences, she continues to redefine journalism with purpose, empathy, and impact. With an instinct for uncovering stories that resonate and a deep understanding of audience engagement, Asanda brings clarity, depth, and heart to every piece she crafts. Beyond the newsroom, she wears many hats — Researcher, Qualified Bible Teacher, Content Creator, Producer, Motivational Speaker, and Book Editor to name a few — using her creative and spiritual insight to inspire transformation through words. Whether leading editorial teams, producing meaningful content, or motivating audiences, Asanda stands as a storyteller driven by faith, purpose, and the power of narrative to connect and inspire.

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