SPAIN – MEC for Culture, Sport and Recreation, Leah Mabuza, is proudly representing Mpumalanga and South Africa on the global stage at the 2025 World Gold Panning Championships, held from 3 to 9 August in Navelgas, Spain. More than just a spectator, MEC Mabuza is actively competing alongside her team, immersing herself in the international experience and participating in various events, including the exciting two-person team dynamic competition.
This championship brings together gold panners from all over the world, providing a unique platform for cultural exchange and sporting excellence. MEC Mabuza’s involvement demonstrates strong leadership and highlights the spirit of unity through sport, proudly carrying the flag for both Mpumalanga and South Africa.
The Mpumalanga team is well-supported by both the Mpumalanga Provincial Treasury and the Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation (DCSR). These institutions have played a vital role in ensuring that the team is well-prepared and fully equipped to compete at this prestigious event. Their involvement underscores the importance placed on nurturing local talent and promoting South Africa’s rich heritage of gold panning on an international level.
Gold panning holds a special place in Mpumalanga’s history and culture. The province has a proud legacy in the sport, with Pilgrim’s Rest being a renowned historical site often associated with gold panning in South Africa. This tradition is reflected in the successes of the Mpumalanga gold panning championships hosted locally, which have seen impressive achievements over the years.
South Africa’s strong presence in the sport is evident from past triumphs. At the 2023 National Teams Championships, South Africa secured overall victory, excelling in several categories including proficient women, traditional Klondike, veterans, and children’s divisions. The country’s passion and skill in gold panning were further highlighted when South Africa hosted the World Gold Panning Championships for the first time on African soil in 2005.
The country’s competitive legacy continued with a remarkable showing at the 2015 World Championships in Spain, where the South African team returned home with nine medals, including a gold medal in the Junior category. This history of success and participation forms the foundation on which MEC Mabuza and the current Mpumalanga team build their efforts as they compete in Spain.
MEC Leah Mabuza’s active participation in this year’s championship is both inspirational and symbolic. It reflects the province’s commitment to promoting sport and culture, while fostering unity and pride among its people. Through her leadership and example, the message is clear: Mpumalanga is not only rich in heritage but also ready to shine on the world stage.
As the team competes in Navelgas, they carry the hopes of the province and the nation, exemplifying dedication, resilience, and passion for gold panning. This event is more than a competition; it is a celebration of culture, history, and the enduring spirit of South African sport.
