Mokgadi Caster Semenya was born on January 7, 1991, in Ga-Masehlong, Limpopo, near Polokwane. She is one of South Africa’s most recognised middle-distance runners and has represented the country on the international stage, including at the Olympic Games, where she won gold medals.
Semenya’s career has been accompanied by intense public scrutiny, particularly after questions surrounding her sex characteristics became widely publicised in 2009. Despite the challenges and controversy surrounding her career, she has continued to speak openly about her experiences while receiving support from her family and loved ones.
One of the people who has remained close to Semenya is her wife, Violet Raseboya. The couple have built a family together and have largely kept details of their private lives away from the spotlight.
Who is Caster Semenya’s wife?
Violet Raseboya is Caster Semenya’s wife and longtime partner. She is believed to have been born in 1986, although relatively little public information is available about her personal background.
The couple reportedly held a traditional wedding ceremony in Limpopo in December 2015. They later celebrated with a white wedding ceremony in Pretoria in January 2017 at Chez Charlene Wedding Venue.
Semenya previously shared the unusual story of how she and Raseboya first met. According to an interview, the pair crossed paths in 2007 in circumstances that Semenya described as amusing.
At the time, Semenya was with drug officials when Raseboya reportedly questioned why a child was in the women’s bathroom, apparently mistaking Semenya for a young boy. Semenya later recalled that being referred to as a child initially made her uncomfortable.
Despite the awkward first encounter, the relationship eventually developed. Raseboya had previously been in a relationship with a man, and Semenya explained that it took time for them both to adjust to their feelings before they began dating.
Over the years, Semenya has occasionally shared glimpses of her family life on social media, expressing appreciation for the support and companionship she receives from her wife.
Caster Semenya’s children
Caster Semenya and Violet Raseboya are parents to two daughters, Oratile and Oarabile.
Their first daughter, Oratile, was born on July 5, 2019. The couple later welcomed their second daughter, Oarabile, in 2021.
Raseboya has also shared affectionate posts about their children on social media. In one post celebrating Oratile’s third birthday, she expressed her love for her daughter and reflected on the journey the couple experienced while trying to start their family.
Away from the athletics track and the public attention surrounding her career, Semenya has continued to build a private family life with Raseboya and their two daughters.