As the trailblazing South African rugby captain known for his leadership, resilience, and inspiring journey from humble beginnings to World Cup glory, Siya Kolisi is a household name in South Africa. So, anything he does makes news.
The captain of the Springboks team has now entered a new playing field, in the world of business, with a line of unisex cuffs that he has developed with Patrick Mavros, the international atelier known for its handcrafted jewelry.
In an interview with FORBES AFRICA, Kolisi shares the genesis of the collaboration with the brand, when the Mavros family sent him a ‘Zimbabwe Bangle’ from the men’s collection as a heartfelt Father’s Day gift last year, and it arrived on his birthday by chance.
“That Father’s Day gift was really special, not because of the item itself, but because of the heart behind it. It felt like a genuine gesture of appreciation and connection, and that meant a lot to me,” recalls the rugby legend.
That sentiment then led to the making of The Kolisi Cuff, designed by Patrick Mavros Jnr., and inspired by the Kolisi Foundation logo and the vibrant spirit of the South African flag. According to Mavros Jnr.: “It’s a piece rooted in meaning: symbolic of unity, strength, and hope.”
This new venture is meant to be more than jewelry for the sportsman as 10% of the proceeds of every cuff sold goes directly to the Kolisi Foundation.
“This project will help us continue the work we’re doing across all our focus areas,” Kolisi says. “Whether that’s supporting kids in schools, tackling hunger, giving people back their dignity, or addressing gender-based violence. The great thing about a project like this is that it strengthens the Foundation as a whole, so we can keep responding where we’re needed the most.” “This collaboration is close to our hearts,” said Alexander Mavros in a statement. “We see it as a continuation of our purpose–to create heirlooms that do good, tell stories, and honour the continent we call home.”
“The cuff embodies the spirit of ubuntu–‘I am because we are’. It represents community, legacy, and pride in Africa. It also celebrates craftsmanship, with every detail made by hand in Africa,” Kolisi adds.
