Sonti was also employed as a clothing contractor in a mine on the outskirts of Mooinooi. In August 2012, the Marikana massacre occurred where 34 Lonmin miners were shot dead by police. She was initially mistaken as one of the widows. She and Thumeka Magwangqana formed a support group for the widows called "Sikhala Sonke" (We cry together). She later resigned from her job. In July 2013, expelled ANC youth league president Julius Malema formed the Economic Freedom Fighters. Sonti was recruited by Malema to join the party. In 2017, she featured in the "Strike A Rock" documentary, which documented the aftermath of the massacre and the formation of the support group.