In the true spirit of Christmas, a 22-year-old man from Khayelitsha has given a fragile newborn kitten, who was left abandoned in a dustbin, a second chance at life.
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Lathitha Daweti said he was walking through his neighbourhood with a friend when he heard faint cries coming from a nearby dustbin.
Following the sound, he discovered a tiny newborn kitten, no larger than the palm of his hand, abandoned and clinging to life inside a box.
A chance encounter with a new owner
Although the kitten showed little chance of survival, Daweti said he couldn’t bring himself to walk away.
“I picked him up and decided to take him home,” Daweti said.
“I could tell he was hungry, but I didn’t know what to feed him. We had cow’s milk at home, but after watching a YouTube video, I learned it wasn’t safe for kittens.”
Daweti waited for his mother, Mathundela, to come home from work, and together they sought help from the SPCA, where they were given special kitten milk.
“My mother and I are doing everything we can to help him recover,” Daweti said.
“We’ve named him Will, because he’s shown an extraordinary will to live.”
The Daweti family’s kindness is nothing new. Mathundela, a widow, has a history of welcoming stray dogs into their Khayelitsha home, offering them water and a safe place to rest.
Daweti family history of kindness and care
Lathitha, who once was well on his way to play for South Africa’s national soccer team, Bafana Bafana, had to give up his dream when his father passed away.
He’s still passionate about the sport but now has to repair second-hand soccer boots to wear so he can continue to play soccer at a local community centre.
Good Hope SPCA spokesperson, Belinda Abraham said despite their own struggles, the Daweti family did not hesitate in offering Will a safe home.
“Will’s story is proof that it is love that transforms lives, no matter the circumstances. This Christmas, as you gather with your loved ones, take a moment to reflect on the quiet magic of kindness. The Dawetis, with their open hearts, have shown us that the greatest gift of all is love,” said Abraham.
“In their humble home, Will sleeps soundly, wrapped in warmth and safety, his belly full because Lathitha chose compassion over indifference.”
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