Siya Kolisi set to be honoured as African Trailblazer of the Year

Entertainment Television – NBCUniversal International Networks’ global, multi-platform brand dedicated to all things pop culture – has announced that Springbok rugby legend Siya Kolisi will be honoured with the African Trailblazer of the Year award at the 2020 E! People’s Choice Awards on Sunday.

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 field with the launch of his Kolisi Foundation earlier this year.

The foundation was established by him and his wife, Rachel, who share a vision to change the narrative for disadvantaged and vulnerable communities in South Africa, as well as helping victims of gender-based violence.

The foundation was months away from its official launch when the Covid-19 pandemic hit. Realising that people needed help more than ever, they launched in March to try and alleviate extreme poverty, mentor underprivileged youth and promote equality.

Kolisi made history in 2018 when he was selected as the new captain of the Springboks, becoming the team’s first black Test captain in its 127-year history. He captained the SA team at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Yokohama, Japan, defeating England in the final and becoming the first black captain of a World Cup-winning side.

“It is humbling,” said Kolisi of the award. “But it is just the beginning.”