2026 National Gold Panning Championships Open in Pilgrim’s Rest

The 2026 National Gold Panning Championships officially opened in the historic town of Pilgrim’s Rest on Thursday, 29 October, bringing together competitors, officials and stakeholders to celebrate South Africa’s mining heritage while promoting tourism and local economic development.

Hosted by the Mpumalanga Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation, the opening ceremony featured a colourful street parade, with participants and stakeholders marching from Uptown through Downtown to the Gold Panning Arena.

Addressing attendees, Thaba Chweu Local Municipality Executive Mayor, Councillor MF Nkadimeng, highlighted the importance of the championships in preserving the town’s heritage, attracting visitors and creating economic opportunities for local communities.

Nkadimeng said Pilgrim’s Rest, once renowned for its gold mining industry, could now use its historical significance and tourism potential to drive economic growth and improve livelihoods.

She described tourism as the town’s new gold, emphasising that visitors create opportunities for local businesses, support job creation and contribute to efforts to address poverty, unemployment and inequality.

The opening ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Ehlanzeni District Municipality Acting Executive Mayor, Councillor Patience Chima; World Gold Panning Association President Sanjay Singh; South African Gold Panning Association Chairperson Sherry Goodwin; and Mpumalanga Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation Head, Mxolisi Mahlangu. Representatives of the Mpumalanga Moral Regeneration Movement were also in attendance.

Competitors and gold panning enthusiasts from Mpumalanga, Limpopo, Gauteng, the Eastern Cape and other provinces participated in the event, highlighting the championships' growing importance as a national sporting and cultural gathering.

During the proceedings, Singh recognised participants who achieved outstanding results at the 2026 World Gold Panning Championships, celebrating their accomplishments and contributions to the sport.

Beyond the competition, the championships provide a platform to preserve South Africa’s gold panning traditions and celebrate the country’s mining history. The event also seeks to strengthen Pilgrim’s Rest’s position as a heritage tourism destination while encouraging economic activity within the surrounding communities.

The championships began on 29 October and will conclude on Sunday, 1 November 2026.