siya kolisi book

People cheer as South African Rugby captain Siya Kolisi holds up the Web Ellis Trophy while the South African Rugby World Cup winner team parades on an open top bus through the streets of the city of Zwide , Port Elizabeth, on November 10, 2019. – Zwide is the hometown of Siya Kolisi, the first black captain for the South African rugby team that led them to victory against England in the 2019 Rugby World Cup Final in Japan. Photo: by Wikus DE WET / AFP.

Siya Kolisi named ‘African Trailblazer of the Year’ at the 2020 E! People’s Choice Awards

The African Trailblazer of the Year category has been established and recognises local charity work in Africa.

siya kolisi book

People cheer as South African Rugby captain Siya Kolisi holds up the Web Ellis Trophy while the South African Rugby World Cup winner team parades on an open top bus through the streets of the city of Zwide , Port Elizabeth, on November 10, 2019. – Zwide is the hometown of Siya Kolisi, the first black captain for the South African rugby team that led them to victory against England in the 2019 Rugby World Cup Final in Japan. Photo: by Wikus DE WET / AFP.

Springbok rugby captain Siya Kolisi will be honoured with the African Trailblazer of the Year award at the 2020 E! People’s Choice Awards.

African Trailblazer of the Year

According to reports, for the first time in the history of the ceremony, E! will be recognising local charity work in Africa with a brand new award: African Trailblazer of the Year.

Kolisi, who led the Springboks to victory at the Rugby World Cup in 2019, is being recognised for his extraordinary work off the sporting field with the launch of Kolisi Foundation earlier this year.

The Kolisi Foundation

The Kolisi Foundation was established in March 2020 although its origins evolved through the roots of founders, Siya and and his wife, Rachel.

The Kolisi duo has a vision to change the narrative of inequality for people in vulnerable and disadvantaged communities in South Africa by providing assistance and opportunities through partnerships.

“Neither philanthropist was born with a silver spoon in their mouth, but with hearts of gold and a powerful vision to impact the lives of others,” the official website states.

“The Kolisi Foundation is the dining room of this powerhouse. It is the place from which they serve the community, with grace and generosity. It is providing a place of refuge for many who thought no one understands, and no one cares.”

Truly honoured

According to IOL, Kolisi said that he was truly honoured to receive the African Trailblazer of the Year award.

“There are people across the continent doing the most incredible work and to be recognised as ’African Trailblazer of the Year’ is very humbling.

“During the lockdown I was able to see first-hand the contributions people make to better the local communities so I would like to dedicate this award to every one of them. I am proud of what the Kolisi Foundation has been able to achieve in light of the global pandemic but there is so much more to do. This is only the beginning. Thank you E!,” said Kolisi.

The E! People’s Choice Awards will be broadcast live from The Barker Hangar in Santa Monica on Sunday 15 November, starting with Live From The Red Carpet at 02:00 (CAT) and the ceremony itself at 04:00 (CAT).

Both will be repeated throughout the following day on Monday 16 November, only on E! (DStv Channel 124).