MPUMALANGA TO HOST 2026 NATIONAL GOLD PANNING CHAMPIONSHIPS
20 October 2026
The Mpumalanga Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation, in partnership with the South African Gold Panning Association (SAGPA), invites members of the media to cover the 2026 National Gold Panning Championships, taking place from 29 October to 1 November 2026 in Pilgrim’s Rest, Thaba Chweu Local Municipality, Ehlanzeni District.
The championships will celebrate Mpumalanga’s rich gold mining heritage while promoting tourism, public participation and social cohesion through sport and recreation. Gold panning involves using a shallow pan and water to separate gold from sand and gravel, allowing participants to demonstrate their skill, patience and precision.
MEC for Culture, Sport and Recreation, Leah Mabuza, highlights the importance of initiatives that bring communities together, encourage participation and contribute to building a socially cohesive society. The programme includes a street parade and opening ceremony, gold panning competitions, a wheelbarrow race and a prize-giving ceremony.
MEDIA DETAILS:
Dates:
29 October 2026 – Time – 16:00 – 18:00 (Street Parade and Opening ceremony)
30 October to 1 November 2026 – Time – 09:00 Daily (Panning Competition)
1 November 2026 – Time – 15:00 (Prize Giving and Closing ceremony)
Venue: Pilgrim’s Rest, Thaba Chweu Local Municipality
Journalists are encouraged to attend and capture the excitement of this unique event, which brings together heritage, sport, recreation and community participation.