In a quiet corner of Khayelitsha, where struggles often outweigh comforts, a fragile kitten named Will found not just a rescuer but a lifeline of love, proving that even the smallest hearts can spark the brightest hope.
South Africa (21 December 2024) – In a quiet corner of Khayelitsha, where life often presents more challenges than comforts, a young man and his mother are proving that even the smallest acts of kindness can bring about extraordinary change. This is the story of Will, a tiny kitten whose fight for survival has become a living symbol of hope, love, and the unyielding spirit of Christmas.
22-year-old Lathitha Daweti wasn’t looking for a miracle when he took a walk through his neighbourhood one ordinary day. But fate had other plans. A faint cry from a dustbin drew him to an abandoned box, where he discovered a newborn kitten, barely the size of his palm, clinging desperately to life. For most, it would have been easy to walk away. But for Lathitha, there was no question about what to do.
“I couldn’t just walk away,” Lathitha shares.
“He was so small and fragile. I didn’t know what to do, but I knew I had to try to help him.”
Scooping up the frail kitten, Lathitha rushed home, heart racing and mind scrambling for answers. While waiting for his mother, Mathundela, to return from work, he spent hours comforting the tiny creature, whispering words of encouragement and frantically researching how to save him.
A quick YouTube search revealed that cow’s milk, their only option at home, wasn’t suitable for newborn kittens. Yet, Lathitha’s determination never wavered.
When Mathundela arrived, she immediately sprang into action, visiting the SPCA for specialised kitten milk. Together, they crafted a survival plan. Lathitha learned to bottle-feed Will, massage his tiny tummy for digestion, and keep him warm with a hot water bottle nestled under blankets in a makeshift milk-crate bed. Their dedication was nothing short of heroic.
Fast forward 21 days, and Will, now thriving, recognises the scent of his rescuer. Every time Lathitha enters the room, he’s greeted by cheerful, insistent mews. The bond between them is undeniable.
“Will’s my best friend,” Lathitha says, smiling.
“After training, the first thing I do is feed him. At night, I stick to the three-hourly feeding schedule—it’s my first taste of fatherhood.”
The Daweti family’s story is a beautiful reminder that compassion knows no bounds. Mathundela, a widow, has always welcomed stray dogs into their home, offering them water and safety, even as they face their own struggles. The loss of Lathitha’s father once put his dreams of playing for South Africa’s national soccer team, Bafana Bafana, on hold. But his passion remains undeterred as he continues to train at a local community centre, repairing second-hand soccer boots to keep his dream alive.
Belinda Abraham, spokesperson for the SPCA, was moved by the Dawetis’ story.
“Lathitha and Mathundela are such an inspiration,” she says.
“Their story is a beautiful reminder that the greatest gift we can give is love.”
Despite the hardships they face, the Dawetis have never stopped giving.
“Spread love,” Lathitha advises.
“You never know where it might take you. And don’t expect anything in return—expectations can lead to disappointment.”
This Christmas, as you gather with loved ones, take a moment to reflect on the quiet, transformative magic of compassion. In their humble home, the Dawetis have shown us that the greatest gift isn’t wrapped in paper or placed under a tree—it’s found in the hearts of those who choose love.
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