Gold Rush: Locals descend on Springs after gold nuggets found in cattle kraal

A recent discovery has sparked a modern-day gold rush in Springs, as residents continue to dig illegally in spite of safety warnings.

Feb 18, 2026 - 09:00
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Gold Rush: Locals descend on Springs after gold nuggets found in cattle kraal

Desperate locals of Gugulethu township in Springs, east of Johannesburg, are hoping to strike it rich following rumours of untapped minerals near an old mine shaft.

For over a week, zama-zamas (illegal miners) and citizen prospectors have been digging for gold in a cattle kraal, with some claiming to have discovered traces of it.

What was once an enclosure for livestock is now covered in pits and trenches.

Dozens of residents, armed with shovels and pickaxes, have flocked to the informal settlement in a modern-day gold rush.

A modest gold discovery

The frenzy began after a local resident claimed to have uncovered gold nuggets while digging on the property. Rumours quickly spread, drawing crowds from nearby communities.

Springs is historically a thriving gold town, but most mines closed years ago as extraction became too costly.

Today, surrounding informal settlements face high unemployment, which is fuelling the rush.

Despite repeated warnings from the Department of Mineral Resources, digging has continued.

Officials say the activity is illegal and poses serious environmental and safety risks. Unregulated excavation can cause ground instability, placing nearby residents – particularly children – in danger.

Still, many diggers say that desperation outweighs the fear of arrest.

Some claim to have already found small amounts of gold, which they have sold on the black market. A gram of gold is worth roughly R1 800.

The kraal’s owner initially tried charging diggers for entry, before controlling access became impossible.

Zama-zamas

The site now resembles a small open-air mine. Buckets of soil are loaded onto bakkies and taken to nearby rivers for sifting.

Some diggers are seasoned zama-zamas, while others are local residents with no mining experience. Police have repeatedly tried to disperse the crowds, but residents keep returning to the site.

During his State of the Nation Address last week, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said he would deploy the army to help police fight criminal gangs and illegal mining.

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