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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.

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Get in touch: outlook@bbc.com

Presenter: Mobeen Azhar

(Photo: Sicelo Mbatha. Credit: Bridget Pitt)

Available now

41 minutes

Broadcasts

  • Wed 22 Dec 2021 12:06GMT
  • Wed 22 Dec 2021 18:06GMT
  • Wed 22 Dec 2021 23:06GMT
  • Thu 23 Dec 2021 03:06GMT

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Podcast: Lives Less Ordinary

Podcast: Lives Less Ordinary

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