The discovery of gold on the Witwatersrand in South Africa can be credited to George Harrison and George Walker in 1886. These two men stumbled upon a gold nugget while on a prospecting expedition, which eventually led to the establishment of the world-renowned Witwatersrand Gold Rush. The Witwatersrand Basin, also known as the Rand Basin, is one of the richest gold fields in the world and has produced over 40% of all the gold mined on Earth. The discovery of gold on the Witwatersrand had a significant impact on the history and development of South Africa, leading to a massive influx of prospectors and miners from all over the world. The mining of gold on the Witwatersrand has had a lasting impact on the economy of South Africa, with gold being one of the country's most valuable resources. The mining industry has played a crucial role in the development of the country, providing employment and contributing to the growth of various industries. Today, the Witwatersrand Basin is still a major gold-producing region, with several large mining companies operating in the area. The mining industry has evolved over the years, with modern technologies and practices being used to extract gold from deep underground mines. For more information on the discovery of gold on the Witwatersrand and the history of gold mining in South Africa, you can visit websites such as [South African History Online](https://www.sahistory.org.za/) or [Mining Weekly](https://www.miningweekly.com/). These websites provide comprehensive information on the history of gold mining in South Africa and the impact it has had on the country. In conclusion, the discovery of gold on the Witwatersrand by George Harrison and George Walker in 1886 sparked a gold rush that would shape the history of South Africa. The Witwatersrand Basin remains a major gold-producing region to this day, with the mining industry playing a crucial role in the country's economy.

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