Nine Medals for Team SA
The South African Gold Panning team returned home on Wednesday, 12 August 2015, with nine(9) medals.
Team South Africa is the only African team that participated in the World Gold Panning Championships from 3 - 8 August 2015 in Nalvegas, Spain.
- In the Junior category, Anja Cronjè won Gold in first position, whilst Nosipho Themba came second in the same category taking home the silver medal.
- Sanjay Singh scored another gold in the Five Person International Team.
- Surprise Mdluli won Bronze in the Champ of Champs category.
- In the Two person team ,Jané and Sonet Vermaak also collected a bronze medal.
- Another bronze was collected in the three person team, represented by Sonja Vermaak, Joseph Mashaka and Sherry Goodwin.
In 2014, SA brought home six medals.
Mec for Culture, Sport and Recreation in Mpumalanga, Ms Norah Mahlangu-Mabena who led the team at the official opening of the championship expressed her appreciation for the dedication and commitment of the participants. She thanked them for representing the country, and encouraged them to bring more medals in the coming competition. The Department is currently preparing for the annual National Gold Panning Championships taking place in Pilgrim’s Rest on 7 to 10 October 2015. Winners from the National Championship will stand a chance to represent South Africa in the 2016 World Gold Panning Championships.