South Africa: Makgabeng – sacred but imperilled space with Platinum mining set to destroy it

I’d never been to Makgabeng, but over the years, had heard rumours of its magnificence. Groups of environmentalists had visited and returned in awe of its unique geology. A botanist from the University of the North had apparently discovered a new plant species there. I was told that a farmer from Magoebaskloof had climbed Makgabeng barefoot and seen rock art that had blown his mind.

Cynically, it was only when I heard that the area was under threat from platinum mining that I decided…