The National Union of Mineworkers has concluded a five-year wage agreement with Gold Fields’ South Deep Mine. The deal, negotiated with the United Association of South Africa, runs from March 2026 to February 2031 and includes adjustments to several benefits.
The agreement covers permanent and fixed-term employees at the mine. It adjusts the Housing Allowance, Medical Incapacity Benefit, and Funeral Benefit.
Gold Fields approved a one-off cash incentive of R50 000 for qualifying permanent and fixed-term staff with at least 12 months of service. Non-permanent employees on learnerships and similar programs with six months of service receive R10 000.
Vuyo Gubanxa, NUM South Deep Branch secretary, said the negotiations took five months and involved unity between the unions. He noted that while the outcome was not ideal, it represented the best result under the circumstances.
