My Second Chance

“My name is Phumla Qunta and I am a mother of one daughter who is now 17 years old. I grew up in a small town called Allice, in the Eastern Cape. I passed my Grade 12 in 1996, but financial difficulties meant I could not further my studies, so I decided to come to Cape Town to look for work. I stayed with my sister and her children in the beginning, but it did not go well, and I moved out.

In 2002 I fell pregnant and one year later, a friend introduced me to heist and robbery, and taught me how to do it. In no time at all, I had all that I had dreamed of, and I too introduced a friend of mine into the same criminal activity. It all came to an end in 2004 when we were both arrested. We were ‘awaiting trial’ for four years without bail and our case ended up at the High Court where we were each sentenced to 30 years in prison.  

It was not an easy journey at all, but I ended up making the life-decision to be close to Christ. I had no other friend, and no way out. While in prison I started changing my life, was introduced to Bible studies, prayer meetings and church in prison.

While serving my sentence, so many things happened – I lost my mom, my sister and my home that was meant for my child. In January this year I was given the news I was to be released from prison and knew God had given me a new chance to fulfil his purposes for my life. I was released on parole and by end of March had met Blondy (City Mission Field Worker) who became my mentor and has helped me get on my feet again through the work of City Mission.”

“I have hope again for a new future and my second chance.”