JOHANNESBURG – The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), the majority union at Gold Fields South Deep Mine, has announced that it has successfully reached a five-year pay agreement on behalf of its members and all mine employees.
“The multi-year agreement negotiated in cooperation with UASA is valid from March 1, 2026 to February 28, 2031,” NUM said in a statement on Friday, July 24, 2026.
This is aimed at category 4-8 employees, miners, artisans and officials. Main salary adjustments:
• Year 1:
◦ Categories 4 to 8: Entry level minimum basic salary increases to R18,663 per month (basement) and R16,233 per month (above ground). The remaining employees in this category will receive a 10% increase.
◦ Miners, artisans and officials: 6.2% increase.
• Year 2:
◦ Categories 4 to 8: Entry level basic salary increases to R20,006 per month (basement) and R17,401 per month (above ground), an increase of 7.2% for remaining staff.
◦ Miners, artisans, officials: 6% increase.
• Year 3:
◦ Categories 4 to 8: Basic salary for entry level increases to R21 426 per month (underground) and R18 637 per month (above ground) and 7.1% for other staff.
◦ Miners, artisans, officials: 6% increase.
• Year 4:
◦ Categories 4 to 8: Basic salary for entry level increases to R2,2 927 per month (basement) and R19 942 per month (above ground), with an increase of 7.0% for remaining staff.
◦ Miners, artisans, officials: 6% increase.
• Year 5:
◦ Categories 4 to 8: Entry level basic salary increases to R24 532 per month (basement) and R21 338 per month (above ground), an increase of 7.0% for remaining staff.
◦ Miners, artisans, officials: 6% increase. Additional benefits and lump sum incentive adjustments also apply to housing benefits, medical incapacity benefits, and funeral benefits.
In recognition of the timely conclusion of negotiations, Gold Fields approved a discretionary one-time cash incentive.
• R50,000 for permanent and fixed-term employees with at least 12 months of continuous service.
• R10,000 for casual employees in active/residual learning, experiential learning and related programs with at least 6 months of continuous service.
The NUM praised its members for the “discipline and maturity” they showed throughout the negotiation process.
The union was fully mandated by its members to sign this agreement during a mass meeting held on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
“This historic agreement will not only ensure strong above-inflation pay increases for workers, but will also provide long-term job security and stability for the workforce,” the NUM said.
