NUM Matlosana region to embark on a protected strike at Afrimat over wage deadlock and attack on medical benefits

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) in the Matlosana Region will officially commence a protected strike at Afrimat tomorrow morning, 18 March 2026, starting at 07:00.

This industrial action follows a prolonged and frustrating wage negotiation process that began in March 2025. The deadlock is a direct result of the company’s aggressive attempts to strip away hard-won benefits previously secured under the former employer, Lafarge.

Key points of the dispute include:

• Attack on Medical Aid: Afrimat is attempting to brutally reverse existing gains by replacing the current medical aid scheme (where the employer pays 65% and the employee 35%) with a substandard medical insurance. The company proposes a flat contribution of only R1,265.00 per month, which would leave workers vulnerable and under-insured.
• Wage Increase Gap: The NUM remains firm on a modest demand of 7%, while the company refuses to move beyond a 5% offer.

The NUM views the company’s insistence on reducing medical benefits as a provocative act of bad faith. Negotiations have been dragged out for over a year specifically because Afrimat chose to target the health and well-being of its workforce rather than offering a fair living wage.

Our members are resolute that they will not allow a "race to the bottom" where established conditions of employment are dismantled under new ownership.

The strike will continue until the management of Afrimat returns to the table with a proposal that respects the dignity and the previous gains of our members.

For more detailed information and media interviews, please contact:

Hudson Sosikela, NUM Matlosana Regional Secretary, 072 876 9313

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/10086002340216