A wave of gold fever has swept through an informal settlement east of Johannesburg, South Africa, following reports of a remarkable discovery in a cattle pen. Dozens of people have descended upon the area, armed with basic tools, sifting through soil in hopes of striking it rich, echoing historical gold rushes that shaped the nation.
The frenzy began when a resident of the informal settlement of Gugulethu, near the former mining town of Springs, claimed to have unearthed several gold nuggets while digging in an outdoor enclosure previously used for cattle. News of this find spread rapidly, drawing dozens of hopeful individuals to the site.
Equipped with pickaxes and shovels, people have been meticulously sifting through the soil in the fenced-off area. These scenes are reminiscent of the gold rushes that fueled South Africa’s development over a century ago. Springs, once a prosperous gold-mining town, saw its mines close years ago due to the uneconomical depth of the shafts.
South Africa’s Department of Mineral Resources has strongly condemned the mining activity, labeling it illegal and warning of significant environmental damage. The ministry also highlighted the dangers of unregulated excavation, citing the risk of ground instability that could endanger the community, especially children.
Many of those involved in the digging, some of whom are migrants from neighboring Lesotho, have told the BBC that they have indeed found gold and have sold it on the black market. They express a desire for legal mining permits, emphasizing their need to earn a living to support their families. “This is the only hustle we know,” one man stated, explaining how it prevents them from resorting to serious crimes. The allure is understandable, as one gram of gold is worth approximately $100 (£74), significantly more than South Africa’s monthly minimum wage of $368 (£270).
Illegal mining, often referred to as “zama zamas,” is a persistent issue in South Africa, frequently associated with organized crime and dangerous working conditions. While there’s no official indication of such syndicates being involved in the Springs incident, the government has previously announced plans to deploy the army to combat illegal mining activities. The unstable ground at the site poses a significant risk, and authorities are concerned about potential injuries or fatalities.