Nov. 4 (Bloomberg) -- South African gold shares were the biggest gainers in Johannesburg today, surging after the precious metal climbed to a record in London and New York.

AngloGold Ashanti Ltd., Africa’s largest gold producer, climbed 12.36 rand, or 4.1 percent, to 315.26 rand, its biggest rally in a month. Gold Fields Ltd., the second-largest, rose 6 rand, or 5.9 percent, to 107.50 rand, while Harmony Gold Mining Co., the third-largest, gained 5.59 rand, or 7.3 percent, to 82 rand.

The FTSE/JSE Africa All Share Index added 0.7 percent to 25,924.50. AngloGold was the second-most active stock traded by value after BHP Billiton Ltd.

Bullion climbed as a weaker dollar boosted the metal’s appeal as an alternative investment, and on speculation that central banks may buy more bullion.

India’s central bank purchased 200 metric tons of gold from the International Monetary Fund last month, raising speculation that more governments will follow suit as the dollar slides.

Holdings in the SPDR Gold Trust, the biggest exchange- traded fund backed by bullion, rose by the most in almost a month yesterday.

To contact the reporter on this story: Janice Kew in Johannesburg at jkew1@bloomberg.net.

Last Updated: November 4, 2009 12:14 EST