The South African team of gold panners achieved outstanding results at the 2025 World Gold Panning Championships. The team of 32 competitors brought home a record 20 medals, with the highlight of winning both the gold and silver medals in the proficient men’s category.
A Spirited and Colourful Team
The 2025 World Gold Panning Championships were held in Navalgas, Spain from 4-9 August. The exceptionally well organised event attracted 550 competitors from 23 countries across the world.
In typical fashion, the South African team made a lasting impression with the vibrant colours of the team kit, Then there was also the spontaneous song and dance whenever there was something to celebrate.
Sanjay Singh was awarded the “Batea de Oro 2025” trophy, during the opening ceremony, in honour of his special contribution to gold panning globally. He has been a part of the South African gold panning family for over two decades and is currently serving his second term as President of the World Gold Panning Association.
Leah Mabuza, MEC Sport, Culture and Recreation in Mpumalanga, was also part of the team. She not only provided valuable support and encouragement, but also participated actively in the gold panning competitions.
The Finals
After heats, quarter finals, and semi-finals 14 members of the South African team had made it through to the finals in individual categories. Furthermore, two 2-person teams, five 3-person teams, and four 5-person teams qualified for team finals.
Excitement kept mounting on the day of the finals as many South Africans made the top 3 in the various events. Even at home in South Africa, many supporters ardently watched for the next results to be posted on the website
The climax was when Sanjay Singh won gold in the Proficient Men category, in a time of 01:04. He was followed closely by Chester Mthombeni in 01:07 for silver. This was the first time that a South African won this category! It was also the first time in the 48 years of annual world gold panning championships that the sitting president also became the reigning world champion.
The South-African Medallists
South African medallists at the 2025 World Gold Panning Championships were as follows:
Official Categories
Gold in Proficient Men: Sanjay Singh
Gold in 3-Person Team: Joseph Mashaka, Andrew Mason and Chester Mthombeni
Silver in Proficient Men: Chester Mthombeni
Silver in Traditional Pan (Batea): Sendra Nsimba
Silver in 5-Person Team: Ricky de Freitas, Mike Goodwin, Benjamin Ngwenya, Zodwa Ngwenya, and Louis Peens
Bronze in 3-Person Team: Surprise Mdluli, Sendra Nzimba and Sanjay Singh
Unofficial Categories
Gold in Pikkies (under 6): Oliver Warren
Gold in Under the Moon (2-person team panning by torchlight): Chester Nthombeni and Vidhaan Singh
Bronze in Family Panning: Anel, Frederik and Misha Liebenberg
Special mention must also be made of Akhila Mdluli who, celebrating his eighth birthday on the day of the finals,, He achieved 5th place in the official Junior (U12) category. Additionally, Joseph Mashaka finished in the top 5 in proficient men and Chester Mthhombeni in traditional pan.
A Team to Make us Proud
“Beyond the competition you carried yourselves with respect, responsibility and humility, true ambassadors of South Africa” said Singh in a message to team members after the event. “Team SA you have made us proud. You have proven that together we can command respect, create harmony and unity amongst all the nations in the golden family. Well done champions!”
Congratulations to all the members of the South African gold panning family who represented SAGPA at the 2025 World Gold Panning Championships!
