From a flight of fancy across the Internet waves, the South African government was said to be interested in raising the statutory retirement age for public servants from 65 to 67, with the proviso that it comes into force from September 2025. There is no scrap of solid information or official announcement in the public domain to corroborate any of these rumours. Independent fact-checking organisations, including Africa Check, have gone into them and allegedly found no proofs that such an amendment exists in the gazetted laws.
Current Position In The Laws
According to the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA), South Africa, the statutory retirement age for public service remains that given in the Public Service Act of 1994: that is, 65 years of age. It does not attach penalties upon retiring at 65. There is still no law that has been promulgated or regulation that has been passed to direct an increase in the statutory retirement age to 67.
Claims & Social Media Circulation
The idea of increasing the retirement age to 67 seems to have come from online posts, media shares, and some news-style websites. They say that the adjustment will create uniformity in retirement matters across government departments, and therefore, will apply to all. However, almost all of these posts lack any form of reference to, say, government gazettes, changes in legislation, or a valid government press release. In addition, the GEPF (Government Employees Pension Fund) itself has issued notices stating that no alteration to the retirement age has whatever been done.
Why This Misinformation Could Be Spreading
There are a few reasons for the veracity of this false claim. First, there are concerns about pension sustainability while life expectancy is on the rise, together with economic pressures. This makes rumors about raising the retirement age even more terrifying. Secondly, proposals, discussions, or drafts are submitted casually to some forums, and they get perceived as actual policy. Thirdly, social media acts as a megaphone for unverified claims that sometimes pass without checks.
What You Should Do If You See Similar Claims
If posts or articles claiming that retirement age for public servants will be raised to 67 in South Africa seem to flood the media, here are a few steps you can take:
- Check the official website of the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) or go through their press releases.
- Look on for the updates on the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF).
- Go through reputed fact-checking agencies including Africa Check.
- Refrain from sharing such unconfirmed news until there is an official confirmation from a government source.
Also Read: SASSA R2,315 Old Age Grant October 2025: Payment Schedule Released