Lessons in grief from the South African wilderness
As a child, Sicelo Mbatha was traumatised after his friend was attacked by a crocodile. Years later, observing nature at close quarters helped him process his loss.
Sicelo Mbatha grew up in the remote South African region of Kwahlabisa, on the doorstep of a game reserve. Every day, he and his friends - including his best friend Sanele - would walk many miles to get to school and back. One day, on their way home, they approached their final river crossing and children started screaming - there was a crocodile. Tragically, Sicelo witnessed a brutal attack on Sanele that day. The experience traumatised him for years. But rather than turning away from nature, and being fearful of wildlife, he was drawn to it. He wanted to understand the behaviour of wild animals, so pursued his dream to become a wilderness guide. It was by being close to the often brutal world of animals that he would finally come to terms with what had happened, and find peace after grief.
Get in touch: outlook@bbc.com
Presenter: Mobeen Azhar
Producer: Katy Takatsuki
(Photo: Sicelo Mbatha. Credit: Bridget Pitt)
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