This Limpopo man mutilated his face when he tried to take his own life - but a bird, a boy and a blind man are helping him to love life again

Every three months he needs to have a session with his psychiatrist. It’s been this way since 2005, when he tried to take his own life. But at his most recent session the evaluation was different – his doctor was so pleased with his progress she changed his treatment plan.

For Anton Pieterse it was a significant moment. Not only would he need to see the psychiatrist only every six months – she also reduced his antidepressant dosage. Anton (46) recalls their conversation from December last year with immense satisfaction. The psychiatrist wanted to know what had happened to bring him to that point.

A few things had changed his life, was his response. Today Anton is sharing what those things are from his garden cottage in Mokopane, Limpopo.