Rape survivor Prudence Kubalo turns trauma into empowerment for women

A courageous rape survivor is breaking her silence, choosing to share her story publicly for the first time.

After years of carrying the trauma, 39-year-old Prudence Kubalo from Protea Glen spoke to the Soweto Urban News. By sharing her story, she said she wants survivors of sexual assault to know they are not alone and that what happened to them was never their fault.

She recalled the traumatic day. Kubalo was walking near her home with her two sisters after attending an event, on their way to get some drinks.

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One sister went back to lock the gate when, suddenly, they heard her scream, “Why are you touching my breast?”

Someone had touched her inappropriately.

Kubalo ran away, while her other sister rushed back to help.

“It felt surreal, like a scene from a movie. Out of nowhere, a red Volkswagen Fox appeared, and two men were chasing me.

“I screamed, but no one heard me. One of them tripped me, and they abducted and gang raped me, leaving me in a shallow grave. I was later found by a passerby in a ditch, alive, and rescued,” explained Kubalo.

She reported the incident to the police, but they made no arrests. The slow and demoralising process left her fighting two battles: The trauma itself and a system that failed to protect her.

She said the lack of accountability and the endless waiting worsened her pain, but strengthened her resolve to speak out for other survivors.

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“This experience changed everything. Emotionally, I was broken. Socially, I became guarded and cautious. Mentally, I battled fear, shame and anger. But over time, the pain grounded me.

I once thought it would never fade, yet acceptance and new opportunities opened, guiding me out of the field of trauma.

“Healing isn’t about forgetting; it’s about transforming what tried to destroy you into the very thing that strengthens you,” she said.

Despite the trauma, Kubalo has become a powerful force for change. She is the founder and director of 29 Candles of Hope, an organisation that empowers and motivates women and children.

She also founded Ndaleloleko, which focuses on disability and mental health, and is the runner-up in Mrs Township SA 2025. She is also a motivational speaker, speaking for the voiceless.

“I share my story to give hope to the hopeless and a voice to the voiceless. I want survivors to know they are not alone and that their pain does not define them.

“I share to reclaim my power, to transform my trauma into purpose, and to shine a light for those still trapped in the darkness. Every word I speak is a reminder that even in the deepest pain, strength, healing, and freedom are possible,” said Kubalo.