South African rugby icon and National Captain – Siya Kolisi – has joined leading hospitality and casual dining group, Life & Brand, as a Stakeholder. This will see Kolisi collaborating with the group to elevate brand offerings, collaborate on culinary conceptualisation, and execute social responsibility programmes for social impact – embedding his vision directly into the fabric of the hospitality portfolio.
The partnership marks an expansion of the existing relationship between Kolisi and the restaurant group, following successful community-upliftment programmes like the First Cup Initiative, which utilised proceeds from warm beverage purchases across the group’s restaurant network to provide nutritious daily breakfasts to thousands of vulnerable school children in underserved communities.
Welcoming Siya Kolisi into the Life & Brand Portfolio family is a defining moment for our organisation as he represents the very best of South Africa, resilience, leadership and a commitment to uplifting others, says Trevor Wollheim, Chief Executive Officer at Life & Brand Portfolio. “We have always believed in putting people at the center of our dining experiences and business – whether that be through food, culture, or community – and in Siya we have found a partner whose personal values mirror our corporate mission”.
With this partnership, the Group bridges premium South African hospitality with tangible social impact. Life & Brand Portfolio—the hospitality group behind more than 60 restaurants, including Tiger’s Milk, La Parada, Harbour House, and Old Town Italy—views Siya Kolisi’s inclusion as a natural step. The double World Cup-winning captain is globally celebrated not just for his rugby achievements, but for his deep commitment to changing South Africa’s socioeconomic landscape.
Everyone has that place where they meet their friends, where they feel comfortable and can just be themselves. I love that Life & Brand creates those places. To join this family and help build more of that is something I’m really proud of,” says Kolisi.
Founded in 1998, Life & Brand Portfolio has spent over two decades cementing its status as an industry leader in experiential dining. With over 30 distinct restaurant locations nationwide, the group has significantly shaped the modern South African casual dining landscape.
Integrating Kolisi’s global prestige and localised cultural influence is expected to accelerate the group’s expansion and market resonance. The collaboration will weave Kolisi’s unique story and passion for youth empowerment and sports development into custom consumer experiences across their diverse venue landscape.
Words and images provided.
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