Working Years Beyond 60: Is South Africa Rethinking the Age of Retirement?

• Reports that South Africa plans to raise the retirement age from January 2026 have caused uncertainty among workers
• National Treasury and the Government Employees Pension Fund have previously rejected the claims, stating that no law or policy is changing the retirement age
• Authorities say retirement remains governed by individual employers and pension funds, even as broader pension reforms continue

With some reports circulating that the traditional retirement age of 60 could officially come to an end from 7 January 2026, many South Africans are questioning whether new pension rules will require workers to remain in employment for longer than before.

Speculation has been fuelled by claims that the government is considering raising the retirement age, in some cases to as high as 67, in response to longer life expectancy, escalating pension costs, and the need to maintain economic productivity. According to these reports, extending working life would help stabilise pension systems while giving individuals more time to grow their retirement savings.

Read also

Gwede Mantashe says citizens must look for work and not wait for government, SA furious with comment

However, authorities have moved to dismiss these claims.

National Treasury debunks retirement age change.

Following renewed rumours in May 2025 about a national change to the retirement age, Daily Maverick approached the National Treasury for clarity. Treasury confirmed that no such change has been legislated and that there is no gazetted law, parliamentary record, or regulatory announcement altering the retirement age.

Treasury further emphasised that South Africa does not have a single, mandatory national retirement age that applies to all workers.

Employees in formal employment have a retirement age that is determined by the employer and the relevant retirement fund, which is not prescribed by the law. Government,” Treasury said.

GEPF: No change for public sector workers

The Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF) has also dismissed widespread claims that the retirement age for public sector workers has been amended.

The fund reiterated that its retirement age structure remains unchanged:

Read also

South African nationals in Venezuela confirmed safe amid US military tensions

• Early retirement: 55 to 59 years
• Normal retirement: 60 years
• Late retirement: 61 to 65 years

The fund urged its members to receive information from formal government channels.

Clarification sparks public debate.

Despite official clarification, the issue has triggered strong reactions on social media.

Mariaan Potgieter asked:

"Why does this not count for parliament and ministers?"

Tshingana Sandiso Prehessure joked:

"In South Africa, when someone has to retire, he joins politics and becomes the minister for the next 30 years."

Nkululeko Ngcobo suggested:

"You should amend it to 55 - 59 as normal retirement to allow those employees who want to open businesses to do so, since there's a high unemployment rate, especially among the youth."

Wikus Sedze asked:

"Does it apply to all in Parliament and politics?"

Sir-p J'cobs commented:

"But in parliament you are sitting on 73's and 76's, why don't you leave at that 60 or 65 you are talking about?"

Articles about retirement

Previously, Briefly News reported that the South African Revenue Service (SARS) confirmed more than R35 billion had been withdrawn under the two-pot retirement system. Over 169,000 applications were declined due to incorrect details, insufficient funds, or system failures, while more than 28,000 applicants cancelled their requests.

Read also

South Africa urgently calls UN meeting over US military actions in Venezuela

As the two-pot system marked its first anniversary on 1 September 2025, Deputy Pension Funds Adjudicator Naheem Essop explained its limitations. The system divides retirement savings into three components: a vested pot for pre-September 2024 savings under old rules, a savings pot allowing limited early access once per tax year (minimum R2,000), and a retirement pot preserved until retirement. Essop noted that while the system offers limited early access, it is designed to protect long-term retirement outcomes, not to replace a formal retirement age framework.

Source: Briefly News