Rand Mutual Assurance (RMA): Registration, ROE and Claims Guide for Mining and Metals Employers
Quick Answer: What is Rand Mutual Assurance (RMA)?
RMA is a non-profit mutual assurance company, founded in 1894, licensed under section 30 of COIDA to administer workmen’s compensation for the mining industry (Class IV) and the iron, steel, metal and related industries (Class XIII). These employers register with RMA instead of the Compensation Fund.
What Is Rand Mutual Assurance?
Rand Mutual Assurance (RMA) was founded in 1894 by three Witwatersrand mining companies to care for injured miners. Today it is a licensed mutual assurance company – owned by its policyholders – that administers COIDA benefits for the mining, iron, steel, metal and related industries. RMA holds its licence under section 30 of COIDA and is overseen by the Compensation Commissioner, so the benefits and obligations are exactly those of the Act.
RMA is not a different law, not optional cover and not a private alternative you choose because you prefer it. If your industry class falls under RMA, that is simply where your COIDA obligations are administered.
Which Employers Belong to RMA?
| Class | Industry | RMA status |
|---|---|---|
| Class IV | Mining and quarrying | Optional transfer from the Compensation Fund to RMA |
| Class XIII | Iron, steel, artificial limbs, galvanising, garages, metals and related | Compulsory – transferred to RMA from 1 March 2015 (Government Gazette 38044) |
| Class V | Building and construction | Optional transfer to FEM, not RMA |
If you are unsure of your classification, check your Notice of Assessment or read our COIDA industry classes and tariffs guide and the Compensation Fund vs RMA vs FEM comparison.
How RMA Registration and ROE Work
- Register with the Compensation Fund first – Class XIII employers are then transferred to RMA, or Class IV employers elect to transfer.
- Provide RMA with: employer registration form, earnings declaration for Class XIII, company letterhead, bank confirmation letter, certified director IDs and your CIPC disclosure certificate.
- Submit your Return of Earnings to RMA every year (not to the Compensation Fund). RMA calculates your assessment from your declared earnings and your subclass tariff – the same gazetted earnings caps apply (R668,000 per employee from 1 March 2026 – see our COIDA earnings cap guide).
- Pay your RMA assessment and RMA issues your Letter of Good Standing.
Claims Through RMA
Injuries on duty must be reported to RMA within 7 days and occupational diseases within 14 days. RMA is known for finalising straightforward temporary-disablement claims within roughly 3 to 6 weeks. Contact RMA on 0860 222 132 or email complaints@randmutual.co.za. RMA’s head office is in Johannesburg, with walk-in branches in Cape Town, Durban, eMalahleni, Klerksdorp, Pretoria, Rustenburg and Welkom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is RMA part of the Compensation Fund?
No. RMA is a separate mutual assurance company licensed under section 30 of COIDA to administer the Act for mining (Class IV) and iron, steel and metal (Class XIII) employers. The Compensation Commissioner still oversees RMA’s compliance.
Must my metal-working business register with RMA?
Yes. Class XIII (iron, steel, galvanising, garages, metals and related industries) was compulsorily transferred to RMA from 1 March 2015. Mining (Class IV) employers may elect to transfer.
Where do I submit my Return of Earnings if I am with RMA?
Directly to RMA, not to the Compensation Fund’s CFOnline portal. RMA then raises your assessment and issues your Letter of Good Standing.
Is a Letter of Good Standing from RMA valid for tenders?
Yes. An RMA-issued Letter of Good Standing carries the same legal weight as one issued by the Compensation Fund, because both are issued under COIDA.
What is RMA’s contact number?
RMA can be reached on 0860 222 132, or via randmutual.co.za. The head office is in Johannesburg with branches in Cape Town, Durban, eMalahleni, Klerksdorp, Pretoria, Rustenburg and Welkom.
Related COIDA Guides
- Compensation Fund vs RMA vs FEM
- Industry Classes and Tariffs
- COIDA Registration Guide
- Return of Earnings Guide
- Letter of Good Standing
- COIDA Earnings Cap 2026
Official Resources
- Rand Mutual Assurance – official site
- FEM (building and construction industry)
- Department of Employment and Labour
- COIDA Act 130 of 1993 (full text, gov.za)
Skip the Queue
Not sure whether you belong with the Compensation Fund, RMA or FEM? AdminBoss classifies your business correctly and manages the registration and ROE for you. Read the AdminBoss RMA Return of Earnings guide →
Last reviewed: 1 September 2026 against Department of Employment and Labour and Compensation Fund sources. COIDASA is a division of AdminBoss – South African employer compliance specialists.
