Mac Maharaj, Special Advisor and Spokesperson to President Jacob Zuma, will retire at the end of April 2015 according to an announcement made by the Presidency on Tuesday.

“Mr Maharaj, President Zuma’s former Special Envoy and former Cabinet Minister in South Africa’s first democratic administration, turns 80 years old in April this year and has decided “it is time to slow down a bit”.

“We wish to thank Mr Maharaj for this special service to the President and the country and wish him well in his retirement,” said President Zuma.

According to the Presidency Harold Maloka, Deputy Director-General in the Government Communication and Information System, will be Acting Spokesperson to the President from May 2015 until further notice.