George Harrison (prospector)


George Harrison was the prospector who allegedly discovered gold in the Witwatersrand on Langlaagte farm. He was a friend of George Walker and George Honeyball. He apparently found the main reef in 1886. He later left the Rand.
He is believed to have sold his claim for £10.
The site of Harrison's claim has since become George Harrison Park in Johannesburg. In 2013 and 2015 the park was reported to be in a state of disrepair; as of 2019 an undated article on the Johannesberg Parks website states that a major refurbishment is planned.
A 1988 statue of Harrison by Tienie Pritchard, also known as "The Miner", was commissioned to celebrate the centenary of Johannesburg. It is tall and is described as "one of the largest sculptures in South Africa". It is sited at Settlers Park, Eastgate.