When a tiny cat was stranded on an electrical pole for six long days, a determined community in Mabopane turned a desperate situation into a Christmas miracle, proving once again that South Africans will stop at nothing to save a life.
Gauteng, South Africa (29 December 2024) – When South Africans are called to action, they rise with unity and determination, proving that compassion can overcome even the most daunting challenges. This was the heartwarming scene in Mabopane, where residents and organisations joined forces to rescue a cat stuck on an electrical pole for six agonising days.
The rescue mission began on Christmas Eve when Tebogo Maredi, founder and managing director of the Soshanguve Animal Shelter and Education NPC, received a desperate call. A cat had climbed onto a transformer and found itself trapped, enduring heavy rainfall without food or water for nearly a week.
“The poor cat climbed next to the transformer and has been stranded there without food or water, enduring heavy rain,” Maredi explained on the organisation’s Facebook page.
Residents had tried tirelessly to contact various organisations, but no one had come to the cat’s aid. Determined to help, local hero Raymond Mogane reached out to the Soshanguve Animal Shelter. Maredi and his team quickly mobilised, calling in the fire brigade for assistance.
“This is a delicate and urgent situation, and we are doing everything we can to ensure the cat is brought down safely,” said Maredi.
However, the rescue proved far from straightforward. Upon arriving, the fire brigade had to wait four hours for Eskom technicians to switch off the electricity.
The situation grew more complex when the ladder brought to the scene wasn’t long enough to reach the cat. Undeterred, Mogane, an experienced rigger, stepped forward, using his harness and gear to climb the pole and bring the kitten to safety.
The rescue continued into the night and carried on into Christmas Day. After nearly 48 hours of tireless efforts, Mogane succeeded in retrieving the feline, handing it to Maredi, who secured it in a cat trap.
“After a long and challenging rescue, we finally managed to bring the cat down safely. Thank you to everyone who made calls, shared our post, and referred us to various organisations—it truly made a difference,” Maredi said.
The cat was immediately rushed to Olympus Animal Hospital at 11 p.m. on Christmas Day. On the way, Maredi offered the cat a small portion of tuna, mindful of its weakened state.
“The poor cat only managed to eat the tuna but refused the water – she was clearly exhausted and overwhelmed,” Maredi recounted.
By Boxing Day, the kitty had made a remarkable recovery. She was discharged from the hospital, healthy and on the road to full recovery. Dr Jamie Traynor, who treated her, decided to foster it, covering the medical costs and ensuring it would receive the care and love it needed.
“Today, we are thrilled to share that the cat has been discharged and is doing perfectly fine. She is safe, healthy, and on her way to a full recovery,” Maredi shared.
“A heartfelt thank you to Maggie Steenkamp for organising with Olympus Animal Hospital, to Eskom and the fire brigade for eventually coming through, and especially to Raymond Mogane, whose bravery made this rescue possible.”
The kitty, now named Joy, symbolises the power of collective action and the strength of community spirit.
For Maredi, spending Christmas working tirelessly to save a life wasn’t a sacrifice but an act of love.
“I spent my Christmas tirelessly trying to find help, but at least I spent it doing something I love – saving the voiceless. Thank you all for your support and for being part of this rescue mission. This is the true spirit of community,” he said.
Through the combined efforts of a dedicated community, organisations, and one brave rigger, a helpless kitten was given a second chance at life—a perfect example of how South Africans rally together to create miracles.
For more information or to donate to the Soshanguve Animal Shelter, please click here.
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