By Kopano Dibakwane ad Lwazi Raul-Shongwe
The iconic small town of Pilgrims Rest, under TCLM(Thaba Chweu Local Municipality), held yet another successful annual National Gold Panning Championship event which started from 8 to 11 October 2025.
Hosted by the SAGPA(South African Gold Panning Association) in collaboration with Mpumalanga DCSR(Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation), the event lived up to expectations by turning the town into a magnet for both domestic and international tourists, creating a platform for small businesses to flourish, also cementing Mpumalanga’s reputation of effortlessly hosting world-class events.
The four-day hunt for gold nuggets kicked off with a colourful Street Parade in the streets of the historic town, allowing all the participants and attendees to fly the flags of their respective countries high ahead of the exciting activities that included various sideshows such as the Gold Symposium, Traditional Wheelbarrow Race, Diggers Pub Crawl, and Diggers Dance.
According to SAGPA ( South African Gold Panning Association ) , the event attracts competitors from various countries including Great Britain, Caribbean Islands, Botswana, Lesotho, United States of America, Canada, Switzerland, Mozambique, Namibia, to name but a few.
Additionally, the event features different categories for proficient and novice participants, divided by age and gender. Competitors reportedly pan for gold nuggets in a regulated environment, with penalties for lost nuggets.
SAGPA said, since 1997, the South African gold panning team has been well represented in various World Gold Panning Championships, the highlight being its participation in Australia in 2001, as well as hosting in 2005.
SAGPA has extended its appreciation to all stakeholders including the DCSR, the Local Organising Committee, participants(first time panners and seasoned champions), families and fans for making the event a resounding success.
“ We extend our heartfelt congratulations and deepest gratitude to every single person who made this event a shining success. To the incredible winners; your skill, perseverance and focus have earned you your place in history. You embody the true spirit of excellence.
“ Today, we don’t just celebrate your victory but rather we celebrate your journey, your dedication, and your golden achievement. May this championship continue to grow, to unite, and to shine as a beacon of unique tradition, passion and pride,” said SAGPA.
The MEC for Mpumalanga DCSR, Leah Mabuza, attended the opening ceremony alongside other dignitaries including the Executive Mayor of TCLM, Mogotle Friddah Nkadimeng.
MEC Mabuza encouraged local residents of Pilgrims Rest to fully support the event by participating, in order to preserve the history and heritage of the iconic town.
She said Pilgrims Rest is the only town in the African continent that hosts such an event, and residents must show pride in this achievement.
“ Beyond hunting for gold nuggets, the National Gold Panning Championships serve as an economic stimulant for Pilgrim’s Rest. Locals setup stalls to sell their wares at the panning site from food to clothes and accessories. The next stop on the gold panning calendar is next year’s World Championships in Cromwell, New Zealand,” said Mabuza.
