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.
Issued by NUM.