Siya Kolisi Advises Matric Students Amid Rage Festival Celebrations

In a candid moment following a triumphant game at Kings Park Stadium, where the Sharks secured a victory of 39-21 against Exeter, Siya Kolisi, celebrated captain of the Springboks and influential figure at the Sharks, seized the opportunity to address the youth, specifically Matric students attending the annual Rage Festival in Ballito. The festival, known as South Africa’s major Matric celebration, draws numerous students eager to revel in the conclusion of their school year.

Kolisi, who also idolizes the coastal town as his home, extended his gratitude towards fans, especially those from KwaZulu-Natal, for their support during the match. However, it was his sobering advice to the youngsters that resonated more profoundly. He urged them, “Please don’t drink too much. Take care of yourselves,” a plea underscored by his own tumultuous experiences with alcohol, detailed vividly in his 2023 memoir, "Rise."

In "Rise," Kolisi does not shy away from his challenging early years in Zwide, Eastern Cape, where he began experimenting with substances as severe as petrol at merely the age of ten. His candid recount includes struggles with pornography, excessive drinking, and partying, leading often to a state of oblivion. This persistent cycle of binge-drinking cast a shadow over his life, despite his roles as a husband and a father, until his wife, Rachel Kolisi, intervened in 2019. She inspired him to seek guidance from a Christian mentor, catalyzing a significant transformation in his life.

The Rage Festival, meanwhile, continues to be a hotspot for exuberant parties, with high alcohol consumption being a norm. This context makes Kolisi's advice even more pertinent as it mirrors his life lessons and underscores the importance of moderation, self-care, and the recognition of the dangers associated with alcohol abuse.

As a role model, Kolisi embodies the pitfalls that come with fame and the pressures of professional sports, making his advice not just cautionary but also inspirational for young adults standing on the precipice of their futures. His willingness to open up about his personal demons and the journey towards overcoming them serves as a powerful narrative for youth, reassuring them of the possibility and the importance of making better choices.

In essence, Siya Kolisi’s message to the Matric students is a beacon of hope and a call for awareness, elucidating that the joy of youthful celebrations need not be marred by excess and recklessness.