Residents of Gugulethu in Springs say they are determined to continue informal gold mining activities in the area, despite warnings from authorities that the operation is unlawful and will be shut down.
For more than a week, scores of community members have been digging through the ground in search of gold, with some claiming to have found traces of the precious metal. The makeshift operation has drawn growing crowds, as hopes of striking it rich spread quickly through the neighbourhood proof that gold fever still travels faster than fact.
However, the City of Ekurhuleni has confirmed that the land is municipally owned and that the mining taking place there is illegal.
Municipal officials say plans are in place to halt the activity by the end of the week, citing safety, environmental and legal concerns. Authorities warn that unregulated digging poses risks to both residents and surrounding infrastructure.
Despite this, many residents remain defiant, insisting they will continue searching for gold.
The standoff sets the stage for a potential confrontation between law enforcement and the community, as the city moves to enforce regulations while locals cling to the hope of an unexpected windfall.