by NJABULO MKHIZE
DURBAN, (CAJ News) – THE National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has referred its wage dispute with Sibanye-Stillwater Gold to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) after members overwhelmingly rejected the company’s latest pay offer.
Sibanye-Stillwater proposed a 4.5% wage increase, along with a R50 rise in the Living Out Allowance and a R30 bump in medical aid subsidy.
The NUM described the proposal as “insulting,” saying it failed to match inflation or reflect workers’ contribution to the company’s profits.
“This offer is an insult to the hardworking men and women who generate immense wealth under hazardous conditions,” said NUM General Secretary and Chief Negotiator, Mpho Phakedi.
“Our members deserve an increase that keeps pace with the cost of living.”
The union is demanding a R1,500 annual wage increase for employees in categories 4–8 and an 8% annual rise for officials, miners, and artisans, alongside six months’ fully paid maternity leave, up from four.
The standoff comes as South Africa’s mining sector faces renewed labour tensions ahead of 2025 wage negotiations across gold and platinum producers. Sibanye-Stillwater, one of the country’s largest gold and PGM miners, has yet to comment publicly on the referral.
— CAJ News