Siya Kolisi has spent much of his life carrying the hopes of a nation like a rugby ball tucked firmly under one arm.
In London last week, the double Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok captain proved once again that some of the most meaningful victories are measured not in points, trophies or medals, but in lives changed.
At the historic Chelsea Physic Garden on June 16, Steadfast Africa’s fifth annual fundraising gala raised a remarkable R2.5 million (£108,000) in a single evening for the Kolisi Foundation and the Good Work Foundation. With an online auction and raffle still running until July 8, that figure is expected to climb further.
The evening unfolded like a well-drilled Springbok attack. Philanthropists, business leaders and changemakers passed the ball seamlessly between generosity and purpose, driving the fundraising effort steadily toward the try line.
A leader who walks with others.
Happy Birthday, Siya. pic.twitter.com/nwc4rRQxPV— Kolisi Foundation (@KolisiFdn) June 16, 2026
Yet amid the luxury travel experiences, sought-after safari packages and spirited bidding wars, the heart of the evening remained firmly with Kolisi’s message.
“I am not a self-made man,” Kolisi told guests.
“I am here because people invested in me. They saw something in me, opened doors for me, and gave me opportunities I could never have created on my own. Today, through the Kolisi Foundation, we want to do the same for others.
“Partnerships like this one with Steadfast Africa and the Good Work Foundation remind us that lasting change is never the work of one person or one organisation. It is built by people who choose to invest in the potential of others.”
Those words landed with the force of a perfectly timed tackle.
Kolisi’s own journey from hardship to global rugby icon has become one of South Africa’s defining modern stories. The Kolisi Foundation now seeks to replicate that opportunity for others through programmes focused on food security, education, sport, youth empowerment and awareness around gender-based violence.
If rugby has taught Kolisi anything, it is that no player wins alone. The foundation’s work reflects that philosophy. Every initiative is built on partnership, community and collective effort.
The same spirit powers the Good Work Foundation, which is helping bridge South Africa’s digital divide through education and skills development in rural communities.
Chief executive Kate Groch highlighted the importance of collaboration.
“Good Work Foundation is able to serve the communities we work in and do the work we do because of the support of our partners; they are an integral part of our Pink family.
“This was again shown at the amazing Steadfast event held in London. Thank you from myself and the entire GWF family. Thank you to everyone who organised, attended, donated and made the event so successful.
“We are grateful for our partnership with Steadfast and how it continues to grow. Together we will continue to do Good Work and reimagine education and opportunity for young rural South Africans.”
In a world often distracted by celebrity and spectacle, the gala offered a refreshing oxymoron: quiet momentum. There were no final whistles, no victory laps and no scoreboards. Yet the outcome was undeniable.
Siya Kolisi hails Springbok depth after 12-try demolition of Barbarians
Kolisi has already lifted rugby’s biggest prize twice. This time, he is helping lift communities. And unlike any World Cup campaign, this is a season with no final.
See the links below to enter, bid and support the fundraising campaign.
https://uk.emma-live.com/steadfastafrica/list-silent-lots
https://uk.emma-live.com/steadfastafrica
For further information, contact Rogan at rogan@steadfast.africa.
