Falling Forward: For Every Woman Who's Had to Begin Again

by Rachel Kolisi, Zibu Sithole (Other)

Falling Forward is a story of reclaiming identity, voice and power.

In this deeply personal memoir, released alongside her documentary, Rachel Kolisi takes readers behind the public image and into the private moments that shaped her. With courage and clarity, she traces her journey through childhood, motherhood, love, marriage, her faith in God tested and rebuilt, loss and reinvention, and the complex reality of living a life under constant scrutiny.

This is not a story of perfection or arrival, but of becoming. Of breaking, rebuilding and choosing to rise anyway. Through hard-learned lessons and unflinching honesty, Rachel reflects on what it means to let go of who you were expected to be and step fully into who you are. Together with Rachel’s personal journey, she shares how purpose and service became anchors in her healing process. Her commitment to uplifting others is not separate from her story, but a natural continuation of it.

Raw yet hopeful, grounded yet powerful, Falling Forward is for any woman who has had her world turned upside down, and found the strength to begin again.

166 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 12, 2026

Reviews

[Lorraine]

Haai...the first 80 pages were choppy. Disjointed but from page 81 I got the soul of RK.

I am upset... maybe it's because I am a black South African woman who's had to navigate most of the dynamics that were in RK's orbit...

[Annie McArthur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have been holding out for this and her story.... gracefully and honestly written. Guttered for her but in admiration of her bravery.

[Janine Roussouw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very fortunate to attend Rachel Kolisi's book launch and documentary in Gqeberha, South Africa, on 5 March. A deeply moving documentary and inspirational book. Rachel is a fighter and warrior of women and children's rights and an inspirational philanthropist. She takes you through her childhood which was filled with hardship and trauma and despite that, she emerged as a strong woman who sees her purpose as serving others. She speaks about her deep faith that she draws on to keep her standing, especially under difficult circumstances. She takes you on her journey of adulthood as a mother, a wife, and then a single mom. She speaks about her journey into healing, transformation and hope. A highly recommended read and documentary.

[Kate Europa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grateful for the window into another South African sharing their story.
Grateful that God helps us heal.

I think the weight / expectation on public figures to be extraordinary can taint what they bring.
It impacts experiencing them without disappointment or discontentment.
I think I was guilty of that with this.

Showing up, even imperfectly is important.

[Kathy Buys · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very quick read but a genuine, authentic account of starting again and learning to love and believe in yourself. I feel genuine respect and admiration for Rachel for her honesty and willingness to show her vulnerability and how very ‘human’ she is. She did this without airing dirty laundry or betraying the father of her children.