A unanimous vote at the 49th World Goldpanning Association (WGA) Championship in New Zealand from September 26 to October 2 has secured Sanjay Singh another two-year term as president.

“I am deeply grateful. A unanimous vote is a powerful expression of confidence, and I do not take it lightly. I see it as a responsibility to listen carefully, serve fairly and deliver on the work members have entrusted to me,” said Singh.

Process to register WGA as non-profit

He also extended his gratitude to the Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation and the Mpumalanga Provincial Government for allowing him to stand for the role and represent South Africa internationally. Singh was first elected as president in 2018. With his term extended by another two years, Singh will form part of the process to register the WGA as a non-profit organisation.

Additionally, he thanked members for their trust, as well as the board, national associations, organisers, volunteers, competitors and families for their contributions to the WGA.

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SA panners bring home 23 medals

South Africa is one of 20 countries that form part of the WGA. Singh also took part in the championship, where South Africa won the Proficient Women category with a historic podium sweep, the Junior Division category and the National Team category, which included Singh. Ultimately, the teams brought home 23 medals.

These achievements make Singh proud to represent his country on an international level. He saw his election as recognition of the dedication of South Africa’s panners and supporters.

“I hope my election shows that international leadership can come from any part of the world when people work together and earn one another’s trust,” said Singh.