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

by Rachel Kolisi, Zibu Sithole (Primary Contributor)

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.

192 pages, Paperback

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...

[Emily Bolton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have so much respect and admiration for this woman! I think I felt more connected to this book as a a mother and Christian. I love her outlook and appreciated what she shared in this memoir.

It did feel like the book was a brain dump. It was very easy to read, but I feel like it needed more refinement. 3⭐️⭐️⭐️

[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.

[Valerie Jordan-potgieter · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very quick read. This book has been on my radar for some time as I have followed her story as public South African figure. I don't know if I expected more because a book was written telling her story, but I was disappointed. I don't really know what I was expecting/missing. But as a divorced mom when my children were small, my reflections on this time I found some relevance, as it is indeed not easy to navigate the new normal where many things change but I have also learnt from my own journey that we are more resilient than we know. Healing comes in many ways that is for sure, and hoping writing her story is providing her the platform for better things in the future.

[Carmen Francke · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love her and was looking forward to reading this but unfortunately it is not what I thought it would be. It is easy to ready but a little messy and all over the show. The last few chapters, kind of came together.
I still love her though …

[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.

[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.

[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.

[Kelsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

wow i never knew she had to endure all of that 🥺 it just shows you never know what people are really going through! i think she imparted wonderful wisdom and words, just the order of chapters and life story telling was a bit out of sorts for me. it didn’t follow a flow that I could get into. but I enjoyed it very much either way!

[Christy Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘I only knew I had to keep moving forward, not with certainty, but with an unrelenting faith.’

‘I didn’t call Siya to offload. He was carrying the pressure of a nation. I carried the rest.’

‘Staying in the present, focused on what I have in the moment instead of obsessing over what I used to have and what I could have had, has shone such a positive light on life as it is right now. I could be bitter, I could also spend time feeling sorry for myself, but instead I choose to be grateful.’

[Bianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grow through what you go through

Brilliant read if you are going through a journey of healing and self- discovery.

“All you need to do is keep walking, and if I fall I will make sure it’s always forward.”