UASA Media Release: 23 July 2026
Statement by Abigail Moyo, spokesperson of the trade union UASA:
UASA, as a representative of organised labour, is proud to have played a pivotal role in negotiating and finalising a five-year wage agreement with Gold Fields South Deep on behalf of its members and all employees of the mining company.
The agreement, concluded in collaboration with the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), is effective from 1 March 2026 to 28 February 2031 and covers employees in Categories 4 to 8, including Miners, Artisans and Officials.
First-year wage and salary increases include:
- Basic salaries for Category 4–8 employees will increase to a minimum entry level of R18,663 per month for underground workers and R16,233 per month for surface workers, with a 10% increase for remaining employees within the category.
- Miners, Artisans and Officials will receive a 6.2% increase.
In the second year:
- Basic salaries will increase to a minimum of R20,006 per month for underground workers and R17,401 per month for surface workers, with a 7.2% increase for remaining employees.
- Miners, Artisans and Officials will receive a 6% increase.
The third-year adjustments include:
- Minimum entry-level salaries of R21,426 for underground workers and R18,637 for surface workers, with a 7.1% increase for other employees.
- A 6% increase for Miners, Artisans and Officials.
For the fourth year:
- Salaries will rise to R22,927 (underground) and R19,942 (surface), with a 7.0% increase for remaining staff.
- Miners, Artisans and Officials will receive a 6% increase.
In the fifth year:
- Salaries will increase to R24,532 (underground) and R21,338 (surface), with a 7.0% increase for other employees.
- A 6% increase will also be granted to Miners, Artisans and Officials.
Additional benefits, including the Housing Allowance, Medical Incapacity Benefit and Funeral Benefit, will also be adjusted accordingly.
In recognition of the timely conclusion of the agreement, the company has approved a discretionary, one-off cash incentive for eligible employees. Permanent employees and fixed-term employees with at least 12 months’ continuous service will each receive R50,000. Non-permanent employees on active or residual learnerships, experiential learning and related programmes, with at least six months’ continuous service, will receive R10,000.
The parties have also agreed to a Consumer Price Inflation (CPI) review during the agreement period. This review will be triggered if CPI falls below 3% or exceeds 8% for the Category 4–8 bargaining unit, or if it moves outside the applicable bands for Miners, Artisans and Officials.
UASA welcomes this decision, as it ensures that members’ wages will keep pace with the cost of living throughout this five-year period.
UASA urges employers and stakeholders across the industry and other sectors to continue pursuing positive and beneficial wage agreements for the betterment of workers who diligently contribute to the country’s growth.
For further enquiries or to set up a personal interview, contact Abigail Moyo at 065 170 0162.