Aftrede is ’n Lewensreis
Riaan Botha • May 2, 2025
Afgetredenes se behoeftes verskil na aanleiding van hul ouderdom. Die behoeftes van ‘n 66-jarige verskil met dié van ‘n 86-jarige. Dr Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, ’n Amerikaans-Switserse sielkundige het die vyf fases van die lewensreis van aftrede so opgesom:
- Die fase van verbeelding. Hierdie periode dek 15 jaar of meer voor aftrede waartydens mense begin verbeel of visualiseer hoe hul aftrede eendag gaan lyk en hoe hulle dit gaan geniet. Dit is wanneer daar aktief beplan word oor watter finansies nodig gaan wees om hul beplande aftrede te kan geniet.
- Die fase van afwagting. Hierdie periode begin ongeveer vyf jaar voor aftrede. Opgewondenheid neem toe met die naderende datum van aftrede en meer spesifieke planne word beraam oor hoe om dit te geniet. Reise word geïdentifiseer en ’n moontlike aftree-adres word bespreek. Afsprake word gemaak met ’n finansiële adviseur om te bepaal of daar genoegsame aftree-geld beskikbaar gaan wees vir die beplande aftrede.
- Bevryding. Die beplande dag van aftrede het aangebreek en daar bestaan gemengde gevoelens oor die vryheid van aftrede, die verlies aan sekuriteit van ’n vaste werk met ’n inkomste en jou afhanklikheid van jou aftree-inkomste. Daar word gereken dat die opgewondenheid van die nuwe vryheid wat met aftrede gepaard gaan so ongeveer twee jaar duur.
- Die fase van reoriëntasie. Gedurende hierdie periode word die nuwe lewensomstandighede en nuwe geleenthede tydens aftede geniet. Hierdie nuwe uitdagings bring nuwe geluk. Alhoewel gesondheids- en finansiële kwessies opduik, geniet die meeste afgetredenes hierdie periode, wat ongeveer 15 jaar duur.
- Die fase van aanpassing: Gedurende die daaropvolgende aantal jare word daar aangepas en aanvaar dat die toename in siektes en die beperking van beweging deel is van die ouderdomsbeperkings. Die afsterwe van geliefdes neem toe en die gevolglike hartseer en verlange word deel van jou bestaan. Die nalatenskap van mense se welvaart geniet meer aandag.
Aftrede is nie ’n solo-reis sonder die familie nie
Die ouer-wordende afgetredenes veroorsaak dat selfs vier geslagte families met ouers, kinders, kleinkinders en agter-kleinkinders meer algemeen voorkom. Multi-geslag-families in dieselfde stad of dorp of selfs huishouding verseker dat ouer-wordende gesinslede nie geïsoleer word of vereensaam nie. Dit verhoed dat aftrede ’n solo-reis sonder sosiale ondersteuning is.
Die realiteit dat groot getalle jongmense Suid Afrika verlaat om in ’n gevestigde ekonomie internasionaal te werk, het tot gevolg dat talle plaaslike afgetrede ouers se kinders in ander lande woon. Die gevorderde digitale era waarin ons leef, maak dit gelukkig maklik om kontak te hou met oorsese familie, maar dit vervang nie persoonlike familie-sorg nie.
South Africa has officially been removed off the Financial Action Task Force's (FATF) grey list as of October 24, 2025. This comes after 33 months of work to strengthen the country's anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism systems. Why Was South Africa Grey Listed in the first place? In February 2023, the FATF placed South Africa on the grey list due to weaknesses in its ability to enforce anti-money laundering regulations. These included ineffective investigations and prosecutions, particularly in severe money laundering and terrorist financing cases. To get off the list, South Africa needed to accomplish 22 action items. By June 2025, the FATF reported that all items had been handled. Although some areas, like as prosecutions, require improvement, this did not prevent the country from being removed from the list. What is the Function of the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC)? The Financial Intelligence Centre helped South Africa achieve FATF regulations. It enhanced how it oversees businesses and professions that deal with money but are not banks, employing stronger risk assessment tools and compliance measures. The FIC also collaborated extensively with law enforcement, promoting the use of financial intelligence in investigations. This resulted in genuine results, such as the freezing of approximately R157 million in suspected illegal funds and the recovery of nearly R144 million in stolen money. What impact did the listing have on the Economy and Investments? Being on the Grey List increased the cost and complexity of foreign transactions. It also harmed investor confidence, particularly while South Africa holds the G20 presidency in 2025. Financial experts predict that now that the country is no longer on the list, investor sentiment will improve. According to PPS Investments, this may lead to: Improved access to global capital. A stronger Rand. Increased interest in South African stocks A better climate for the local property markets. This change contributes to a more favourable view for South Africa's economy and investment landscape. How do South Africa compares to other countries that was grey listed? South Africa's 33-month stint on the grey list is comparable to other countries. Tanzania required 33 months, Nigeria 25 months, Mozambique 37 months, and Burkina Faso 57 months. What's next? South Africa is already planning for the next FATF mutual evaluation, which is scheduled for 2026-2027. The FIC states that, while leaving the grey list is a significant step forward, the country must continue to improve its mechanisms for combating financial crime.
Have you ever stopped to ask yourself: What will I actually do every day when I retire? It sounds like such a simple question, yet very few people think about it in a practical way. You might have a plan for your finances, but have you thought about your time? Will your days be filled with purpose and activity—or will you find yourself just sitting around, wondering what to do next? From my experience working with retired clients, people tend to go one of two ways: they either become passive or they stay active and engaged. When you first retire, the main concern is usually financial. Will my money last for the rest of my life? But after a few months, that anxiety often fades, and a new question emerges: What is my purpose now? I recently read a remarkable book by Bob Buford called Halftime. Buford was extremely successful financially, but tragedy struck when he lost his son. That loss made him reflect deeply on what truly mattered in life. He realized that while money is important, purpose is what gives life meaning. Buford explains this through the Sigmoid Curve : Curve 1 represents the first part of your life—learning, growing, and mastering your craft. This typically takes you up to around age 50, when you might feel like you’ve reached a plateau or are just coasting toward retirement. Curve 2 is the next chapter—when your focus shifts from inward to outward, from success to significance. This is where you find fulfillment by contributing, giving back, and making a difference in your community. The retirees who thrive the most aren’t the ones who just relax all day. They’re the ones who stay involved, serve others, and wake up each morning with a sense of purpose. A Final Thought The Bible tells us that Abraham had his first child at the age of 100, and his wife Sarah was 90. That story reminds us that no matter your age, there’s still a promise and a purpose over your life. You still have something valuable to give. So as you plan your retirement, don’t just think about your finances—think about your purpose. Don’t be passive. Be active. Be intentional. Live with purpose.
