An application for a mining permit has been lodged for the purpose of extracting coal on the Bezhoek Nature Reserve, which falls under the Magisterial District of Middelburg, Mpumalanga. The Bezhoek Nature Reserves borders on Presidentsrus, home to the Olifants River Lodge and an area designated for the development as a tourist town that falls within the Steve Tswete Local Municipality.

The Bezhoek Nature Reserve contains irreplaceable, unique, pristine, grasslands, a cycad forest with cycads proven to be more than 1400 year old, roaming game like the rare sable antelope, aardwolves, kudus, leopards, giraffe, and a wide variety of other animals. With areas where there are no fences between the Bezhoek Nature Reverse and Presidentsrus, the community of Presidentsrus benefits greatly and it adds to the reason why many property owners have invested in purchasing property in Presidentsrus. Should mining go ahead it will have a devastating impact on both the quality of life, as well as property values in Presidentsrus. 

Please add your name to this petition in an effort to persuade authorities to deny the application of Legare Mining Services (Pty) Ltd for the extraction of coal on the Bezhoek Nature Reserve.