George Walker, co-discoverer with George Harrison of the gold reef of the Witwatersrand, dies in poverty in Krugersdorp.

Updated: 30 Sep 2019

It is widely accepted that the gold reef on the Witwatersrand was discovered by George Harrison. What has always been disputed is that English born, George Walker discovered it with him. Both men had their own version of how they found the gold reef, but only Harrison’s version of events was supported by evidence.

Walker died on 18 September 1924 in Krugersdorp. With his claims disputed, he was never recognized as the co-founder of the reef and died impoverished.

How we know this

01Joburg Three Georges strike paydirt[online] Available at: www.joburg.org.za[Accessed on 6 September 2013]
02Gauteng Blaauwbank Historic Gold Mine and Resort[online] Available at: www.gauteng.net[Accessed on 6 September 2013]

Last updated · 30 Sep 2019

Cite this entry

South African History Online. (2012, August 23). George Walker, co-discoverer with George Harrison of the gold reef of the Witwatersrand, dies in poverty in Krugersdorp.. South African History Online. https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0091269

South African History Online (2012) 'George Walker, co-discoverer with George Harrison of the gold reef of the Witwatersrand, dies in poverty in Krugersdorp.', South African History Online, 23 August. Available at: https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0091269 (Accessed: 7 October 2026).

South African History Online, George Walker, co-discoverer with George Harrison of the gold reef of the Witwatersrand, dies in poverty in Krugersdorp. [website], https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0091269, (accessed 7 October 2026).

"George Walker, co-discoverer with George Harrison of the gold reef of the Witwatersrand, dies in poverty in Krugersdorp.." South African History Online, 23 Aug. 2012, https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0091269. Accessed 7 Oct. 2026.

South African History Online. "George Walker, co-discoverer with George Harrison of the gold reef of the Witwatersrand, dies in poverty in Krugersdorp.." South African History Online. August 23, 2012. https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0091269.