One South African company pays entry-level workers R261,689 per year

Mining giant Sibanye-Stillwater revealed that the average salary for an entry-level employee is R261,689 per year.

Entry-level underground employees at the company’s South African operation earn even more with an average monthly wage of R28,110.

These salary figures were revealed in Sibanye-Stillwater’s integrated report for the year ended 31 December 2025.

Sibanye-Stillwater is a diversified multinational mining and metals processing group, and one of the world’s largest Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) and gold producers.

The company’s latest annual report provided details about its progress against its strategy, purpose, and vision.

One of its focus areas is to ensure its employees receive fair wages that support a dignified standard of living.

“To this end, various long-term wage agreements have been concluded at our South African operations over the past five years,” it said.

“During this period, entry-level employees have achieved real wage increases of 15%, reflecting our commitment to fair and equitable remuneration.”

The company’s South African operations span multiple provinces and are at different stages of their lifecycle.

“We ensure our employees receive fair wages that support a dignified standard of living, while ensuring the sustainability of our operations, preserving jobs,” it said.

Bargaining-unit salaries and benefits are negotiated separately with representative unions at operations for gold and PGM.

“Accordingly, the specific business context of each operation is considered in engagement with organised labour,” it said.

This is to ensure that annual increases remain market-competitive, reasonable, and responsible, in line with its shared value ethos.

“In 2025, we signed a 3-year wage agreement for the SA gold operations, whilst at the PGM operations, we have an enduring 5-year agreement since 2022.”

Sibanye-Stillwater entry-level salaries

Sibanye-Stillwater revealed that the average wage for entry-level category 4 surface employees is R21,807 per month.

This salary includes a guaranteed cost to the company payment, and benefits for the average entry-level general worker.

This salary is significantly above the statutory minimum wage of R5,890 per month in South Africa, effective from 1 March 2026.

Underground employees, who comprise the majority of employees at this level (88%), receive higher remuneration, reflecting the nature of their roles.

In 2025, Sibanye-Stillwater’s South African operations reported an average monthly wage of R28,110 for entry-level category 4 underground employees.

This remuneration compares favourably with the average entry-level wages in other industries in South Africa.

Holistic approach to employee wellbeing at Sibanye-Stillwater

In addition to guaranteed fixed pay, Sibanye-Stillwater said that it supports a holistic approach to employee wellbeing.

This includes comprehensive health coverage, financial protection in the event of illness, death or disability, and retirement fund membership.

Employees in South Africa have access to financial and other benefits exceeding those specified in the Basic Conditions of Employment Act. These include:

• Retirement or provident funds.
• Medical insurance.
• Holiday leave allowance.
• Housing ownership help desk.
• Employee assistance programme provided by Lyra Wellbeing.
• Care for iMali financial literacy training.

“Our value-added benefits are centred on empowering our workforce to lead healthy, productive lives,” it said.

“We encourage employees to realise their potential through a structured career-growth model that integrates technical, generic and leadership skills development.”

“This framework aligns individual growth aspirations with defined career paths and broader business needs.”