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IOL News
a day ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Why some public servants wish to continue beyond retirement age
According to the Department of Public Service and Administration, the current mandatory retirement age for public servants is 65. Image: landsmann/ SOUTH African public servants facing mandatory retirement at 65, share their experiences and desires to continue working and the challenges posed by financial insecurity. According to the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA), the current mandatory retirement age for public servants is 65. 'In terms of the Public Service Act, 1994 (PSA), the normal retirement age of employees is 65 years, and such employees will, on retirement, retire with no pension penalties. Although employees from the ages of 55 to 60 years may retire from the public service, such retirement may be subject to penalties to their pension,' stated in the DPSA retirement document. However, with the rising cost of living and tough economy, many individuals said they would prefer to continue working if it meant getting a stable income or just continuing their passion. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Jason Ramcharan, a welder from Pinetown, retired at 65-years-old. He always wished that he could continue working as he loved his job and felt he was competent enough to continue working. 'I always loved working as a welder, it was my passion. When I finished school, my father asked me what I wanted to study and I said I wanted to get into a trade. While my siblings studied to become teachers, I started an apprenticeship in welding. I never regretted my choice because even though it was hard work, it was exciting and motivating,' he said. Ramcharan, now 68 years old, said he possessed all the knowledge to help others but had to sadly end his welding journey due to the retirement age. 'I was good at my job and because I have so many years of experience under my belt, the job is second nature for me. I was proficient at my trade and had no issues. Sadly, retirement ended my career. 'To be a welder, one has to learn all the time and have a sharp mind – the ability to think on the spot. If I had the opportunity, I would definitely go back to work. A lot of people said the work was strenuous and difficult, especially with age. But for people like myself, we know what it takes to get the job done. My passion drove me. 'I have years of experience and knowledge that could still be used in the industry. Sadly, 65 crept up faster that I knew. I think it would have been great if the retirement age could be amended. It would allow some of us to continue working and sharing our experience a little longer. Well, that's provided we are physically and mentally fit," added Ramcharan. Daniela Govender from Chatsworth, was a pre-school teacher and retired two years ago when she turned 65. 'Initially I wanted to retire at 60 but my husband had taken forced early retirement at 50-years-old. We decided that I should continue working for as long as I could. I loved being a teacher. It was always my dream but sometimes the school environment could be tough and today's children are less well-behaved. However, the income and benefits from being a teacher was great, so I continued teaching until 65.' The now 67-year-old said for the first few months before her retirement she was stressed and worried about the financial implications of her not working. 'At times I even feared signing my retirement papers because it felt so final. The reality is that I would not get my salary every month. Medical aid was our top priority. Fortunately, the government still pays half of the premium each month. Knowing that I was not going to get a fixed monthly income made my stress over the rand and cents. I had to tighten our purse strings. 'Even though we had saved money for our retirement, our lifestyle has changed. Sometimes we feel that my pension income is not going to be enough. I think that stems from my husband retiring early. The funds that he had did not last long and currently there is not a lot of money left. We have children but we don't want to be a burden to anyone. 'I feel that if I was allowed to retire later, we would have been able to save more money to make us comfortable. More especially, I loved being a teacher. In the teaching profession, the older you are, the more knowledge you have. Ultimately it helps the pupils in the long run. We have a lot of experience and we could also guide the younger teachers,' said Govender. THE POST
The Irish Sun
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Who is Kevin Lerena's wife Geraldine?
SOUTH African champ Kevin Lerena is married to Geraldine – who is also in the boxing business. As an emerging promoter, Geraldine is likely to be ringside supporting her man when he clashes with Lawrence Okolie at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, July 19. Advertisement 2 Kevin Lerena at the special screening of The Last Ranger at Montecasino in February this year in Johannesburg 2 Kevin, pictured with wife Geraldine, has spoken of the importance of 'teamwork' in their relationship Credit: INSTAGRAM Who is Geraldine Lerena? Together with Kevin, Geraldine is involved with Aquila Boxing Promotions but recently told an interviewer that her main role is to keep the couple's home running smoothly. "Kevin's life is stressful so I try to keep everything at home running as smooth as I can," she said. "There's a lot of teamwork." In the same interview, ahead of The Reckoning this year, The Reckoning was the name of a boxing event headlined by Kevin, where he defended his WBC bridgerweight title against Ukrainian fighter Serhiy Radchenko. Advertisement The event took place at the Sunbet Arena in Pretoria, South Africa, on May 1. Lerena won the fight by knockout in the third round and Geraldine was – as usual – ringside. Oleksandr Usyk reveals 'the only opponent I don't love' ahead of Daniel Dubois fight The couple, who married in 2021, regularly post about their family life on Instagram. When their son Maximus was born last year, Kevin wrote: "Happy Birthday and a warm welcome to our beautiful blessing Maximus Matthew Lerena, who arrived weighing in at 3.3kgs with a full mop of hair!! Advertisement Most read in Boxing Comment "Though our little champ is currently in Neonatal ICU, we are grateful for the strength and health of Mommy!!! "Maximus came into the world fighting. Thank you for all the Love & Prayers. God is great! Lots of love from Kevin & Geraldine Lerena." In another post, on March 17 this year, Kevin wrote: "Happy birthday to my incredible wife. "A loving supportive wife, devoted mother, and incredible stepmom. Your kindness, and strength inspires me daily. Thank you … Forever grateful for you Mrs Lerena. Advertisement "Today we celebrate you."
Scottish Sun
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Who is Kevin Lerena's wife Geraldine?
The power couple at the heart of a global business Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SOUTH African champ Kevin Lerena is married to Geraldine – who is also in the boxing business. As an emerging promoter, Geraldine is likely to be ringside supporting her man when he clashes with Lawrence Okolie at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, July 19. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Kevin Lerena at the special screening of The Last Ranger at Montecasino in February this year in Johannesburg 2 Kevin, pictured with wife Geraldine, has spoken of the importance of 'teamwork' in their relationship Credit: INSTAGRAM Who is Geraldine Lerena? Together with Kevin, Geraldine is involved with Aquila Boxing Promotions but recently told an interviewer that her main role is to keep the couple's home running smoothly. "Kevin's life is stressful so I try to keep everything at home running as smooth as I can," she said. "There's a lot of teamwork." In the same interview, ahead of The Reckoning this year, Kevin said it is "also not easy being a mum" and said he tries to be as supportive as he can. The Reckoning was the name of a boxing event headlined by Kevin, where he defended his WBC bridgerweight title against Ukrainian fighter Serhiy Radchenko. The event took place at the Sunbet Arena in Pretoria, South Africa, on May 1. Lerena won the fight by knockout in the third round and Geraldine was – as usual – ringside. Oleksandr Usyk reveals 'the only opponent I don't love' ahead of Daniel Dubois fight The couple, who married in 2021, regularly post about their family life on Instagram. When their son Maximus was born last year, Kevin wrote: "Happy Birthday and a warm welcome to our beautiful blessing Maximus Matthew Lerena, who arrived weighing in at 3.3kgs with a full mop of hair!! "Though our little champ is currently in Neonatal ICU, we are grateful for the strength and health of Mommy!!! "Maximus came into the world fighting. Thank you for all the Love & Prayers. God is great! Lots of love from Kevin & Geraldine Lerena." In another post, on March 17 this year, Kevin wrote: "Happy birthday to my incredible wife. "A loving supportive wife, devoted mother, and incredible stepmom. Your kindness, and strength inspires me daily. Thank you … Forever grateful for you Mrs Lerena. "Today we celebrate you."
IOL News
25-06-2025
- IOL News
South African adventurer Chris Bertish embarks on record-breaking pacific crossing
South African sailor Chris Bertish is sailing the pacific on a production beach catamaran with no cabin, and powered solely by wind and solar energy. Image: Supplied SOUTH African adventurer and ocean advocate Chris Bertish set sail from Mission Bay in San Diego today on what he calls one of the boldest solo ocean crossings ever attempted. He is undertaking a 2,800-nautical-mile journey to Hawaii on a production beach catamaran with no cabin, and powered solely by wind and solar energy. Bertish is navigating the Pacific Ocean solo and unsupported aboard a 20-foot catamaran, modified for extreme offshore conditions. The vessel offers no protection from sun, wind, or rain, exposing him fully to the elements for the estimated three-week voyage to Oahu, Hawaii. 'Every test, every challenge, every storm I've weathered in preparation has brought me here,' said Bertish. 'This isn't just about crossing an ocean. It's about crossing the boundaries of what's possible for people, for the planet, and for future generations.' Over the past two months, Bertish conducted extensive sea trials and safety testing on the vessel to prepare for the journey. The expedition, titled TransCat Expedition 2025: Oceans Without Borders, aims to highlight environmental and educational causes through a partnership with impact organisation Wild Impact. The mission includes planting 6,000 trees across Africa and North America to offset carbon emissions, supporting coral reef restoration in Hawaii's Hanauma Bay, funding a sustainable education facility in Kenya, and hosting live-streamed educational sessions for over one million students worldwide. 'Everything we do in this life should ripple outward,' Bertish said. 'This expedition is my ripple; to raise awareness for ocean conservation, to empower education, and to prove that one person can still make a massive difference.' Bertish is known for previous endurance feats, including a solo transatlantic stand-up paddleboard crossing in 2017 and a solo wing-foil journey from California to Hawaii in 2021. His ventures have raised millions in support of sustainability and youth initiatives. Now at sea, Bertish continues his mission to test human endurance and amplify global change from one of the planet's most unforgiving environments.
The Sun
21-06-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Mamelodi Sundowns hope for upset in key clash against Borussia Dortmund
SOUTH African club Mamelodi Sundowns are hoping a perfect storm on Saturday hands them a chance of success against heavily fancied Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund when the two meet at the Club World Cup. Sundowns, who were runners-up in the African Champions League earlier this month, sit on top of Group F after beating South Korean side Ulsan HD 1-0 in their opening game but expect to be on the back foot for Saturday's clash at the TQL Stadium. For coach Miguel Cardoso, however, an upset result is possible even if the odds are slim. 'Upsets can happen when the mental conviction of the team is strong and their emotional connection is so strong that magic can happen,' he told a press conference on Friday. 'And that's what I will try to create as an ambiance in the team; ambition, conviction, determination and the right emotion to play such a game and produce a good result.' But Cardoso expects that his side, who enjoyed the lion's share of possession in a dominant performance in their opening game, will not see much of the ball. 'We're going to play against a team that is very aggressive. It's a team that scores 40% of their goals from counter pressings.' It will be an unusual situation for Sundowns, who dominate their domestic competition with a possession-heavy approach and are also a strong force in African continental competition. 'We won't be used to not having the ball much and obviously that will require us to be resilient and keep organised, even when you are just waiting for the moment to get the ball again,' Cardoso added. Sundowns are the only African side with a win at the tournament. 'We are very proud of that. What has happened now is that we have opened up a chance for ourselves and turned dreams into objectives,' said Cardoso. 'But we know what we have ahead and it won't be easy.'
