NUM concludes landmark five-year wage agreement at Gold Fields South Deep Mine

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), the majority union at Gold Fields South Deep Mine, has successfully concluded a five-year wage agreement on behalf of its members and all mine employees.

The multi-year agreement, negotiated in collaboration with UASA, is effective from 1 March 2026 to 28 February 2031. It covers employees in Categories 4 to 8, as well as Miners, Artisans, and Officials.

Key Salary Adjustments:

• Year 1:

◦ Categories 4–8: Minimum entry-level basic salary increases to R18,663/month (underground) and R16,233/month (surface). Remaining employees in this category receive a 10% increase.

◦ Miners, Artisans & Officials: 6.2% increase.

• Year 2:

◦ Categories 4–8: Entry-level basic salary rises to R20,006/month (underground) and R17,401/month (surface), with a7.2% increase for remaining staff.

◦ Miners, Artisans & Officials: 6% increase.

• Year 3:

◦ Categories 4–8: Entry-level basic salary increases to R21,426/month (underground) and R18,637/month (surface), with a 7.1% increase for other staff.

◦ Miners, Artisans & Officials: 6% increase.

• Year 4:

◦ Categories 4–8: Entry-level basic salary increases to R22,927/month (underground) and R19,942/month (surface), with a 7.0% increase for remaining staff.

◦ Miners, Artisans & Officials: 6% increase.

• Year 5:

◦ Categories 4–8: Entry-level basic salary rises to R24,532/month (underground) and R21,338/month (surface), with a 7.0% increase for remaining staff.

◦ Miners, Artisans & Officials: 6% increase.

Additional Benefits & One-Off Cash Incentive

Adjustments will also be applied to the Housing Allowance, Medical Incapacity Benefit, and Funeral Benefit.

In recognition of the timely conclusion of negotiations, Gold Fields has approved a discretionary, one-off cash incentive:

• R50,000 for permanent and fixed-term employees with at least 12 months of continuous service.

• R10,000 for non-permanent employees on active/residual learnerships, experiential learning, and related programs with at least six months of continuous service.

The NUM commends its members for the discipline and maturity displayed throughout the negotiation process. The union was fully mandated by its members to sign this agreement during a mass meeting held on Wednesday, 22 July 2026.

This historic agreement not only secures strong, above-inflation salary increases for workers but also provides long-term job security and stability for the workforce.

For more detailed information, please contact:

Senzo Mncwango, NUM PWV Regional Secretary, 071 681 9345
Vuyo Gubanxa, NUM South Deep Branch Secretary, 084 346 3322
Victor Mphore, NUM South Deep Branch Chairperson, 063 314 3501

The National Union of Mineworkers
7 Rissik Street.
Cnr Frederick Johannesburg
Tel: 011 377 2111 Cell: 083 809 3257
Twitter: @Num_Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/NUM/10086002340