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Assmang Housing Policy Re-design, South Africa

A collaborative housing policy redesign for mine employees across three Northern Cape operations, aligning with national standards and employee aspirations.

Client

Assmang (in partnership with African Rainbow Minerals)

Project date

2017

In response to the Department of Mineral Resources’ Housing and Living Conditions Standard and the updated South African Mining Charter, Assmang initiated a housing policy redesign to better serve employees at its Black Rock Mine Operations (BRMO), Khumani and Beeshoek Mines. The goal was to promote home ownership and improve living conditions for mine workers.

The opportunity

Assmang recognised the need to update its housing policy to reflect the diverse needs of its workforce and comply with regulatory requirements. The iKhaya Working Committee was formed, comprising trade unions, senior management and representatives from African Rainbow Minerals, to guide the process. Zutari was invited to lead the stakeholder engagement and policy design.

What we did

Zutari’s communication and stakeholder engagement team designed a co-creation process to ensure the policy was shaped by those it would affect most. Key activities included:

  • Digital surveys reaching 77% of employees to assess housing needs and aspirations

  • Focus group meetings to validate survey findings

  • Workshops with mine workers living and working in remote areas

  • Narrowing housing options to six viable choices tailored to employee circumstances


The team navigated initial resistance from unions, who sought to shift the focus to wage negotiations, and successfully steered discussions back to housing needs
The housing policy redesign was shaped through inclusive engagement, ensuring every employee had a voice in the process.

The outcome

The new housing policy introduced several improvements:

  • Subsidies or loans for employees residing in tribal areas

  • Access to debt counselling for those with poor credit ratings

  • Freedom to purchase homes anywhere in South Africa

  • Housing benefits extended to spouses employed at the mines


Zutari’s inclusive approach fostered trust and collaboration, bringing together management and labour to co-create a policy that reflects shared values and practical solutions.

The Assmang housing policy redesign demonstrates the power of inclusive planning and stakeholder engagement in achieving meaningful change. Zutari’s approach ensured that the voices of mine workers were central to the process, resulting in a policy that is both compliant and compassionate.

The client saw Zutari’s co-design and engagement approach as a fresh new way to bring opposing parties together.

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