A “Big Five” private nature reserve in KwaZulu-Natal is under threat with the minister  of forestry, fishing and energy, authorising a “prospecting” licence to a private company which seeks to mine coal within its boundaries and on its borders.

Nambiti Private Reserve has gone to court, seeking to stop any mining-linked activity which, it says, will devastate the “delicate ecosystem”, affecting not only the tourist attraction but other landowners in the area.

The 23,000 acre reserve is situated near Ladysmith. ..