Insights and Innovations from Just SA

Longer guarantee periods. Greater client confidence.

In response to adviser feedback and competitive market offerings, Just SA has expanded its minimum payment period options to include 25 and 30 years. Previously, these were only available up to 20 years.

A minimum payment period (or guaranteed term) ensures income continues for a fixed period if the annuitant passes away during that time. Extending these options provides greater income certainty, added security for beneficiaries, and more tailored planning opportunities.

These new terms are available for both single and joint life annuity policies, giving advisers greater flexibility when designing retirement income strategies.

Check out our updated product guide to learn more about the new minimum payment period options.

Why life annuities matter more than ever for South African retirees

Rising costs, longer lifespans, and market uncertainty are forcing South Africans to rethink their retirement strategies. Our CEO, Deane Moore, spoke to MoneyMarketing SA about why life annuities are regaining importance, and why now may be the best time in two decades to secure guaranteed income for life.

Key takeaways from the conversation:

• Strong market performance and higher long-term interest rates are driving attractive annuity income.
• Many retirees risk outliving their savings as living annuity drawdowns remain unsustainable.
• Life annuities provide peace of mind, offering income that lasts a lifetime and protection against financial dependency in old age.
• Blending life and living annuities can balance certainty with flexibility for clients at every wealth level.

Life annuities aren’t just products, they’re an insurance policy against running out of money in retirement.

Read the full article to explore why annuities are once again central to sustainable retirement planning.

Blend for success – a flexible retirement income solution

Explore our latest white paper that breaks down blended living annuities as an innovative and balanced retirement income solution. Learn how combining the steady, guaranteed income of a life annuity with the growth potential of a living annuity can provide your clients with both security and flexibility tailored to their unique needs. 

Using Income Sustainability Maps, we show when blending makes the most sense by age and withdrawal rate, and provide a practical framework for determining the optimal allocation for each client. We also tackle common myths and behavioural biases around annuities, highlighting how blending offers the perfect balance between capital growth and income security.

Download the paper for a complete guide and practical insights to help your clients retire with confidence.

Year-end note from the desk of Deane Moore

It’s been a fantastic year in South Africa!

We’ve had our second consecutive year of strong investment returns. South Africa has moved from a place where a VAT increase seemed inevitable to balance the budget, to a sovereign upgrade, inflation targets of 3% and a credible plan to reduce Government debt. The Boks have ended the year as the number one ranked team; the Proteas men were crowned test cricket champions and the women came second at the Cricket World Cup; and Bafana Bafana have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup! The mood is good and you can feel a general sense of euphoria.

Yet the storm clouds on the horizon haven’t disappeared. Globally, we don’t know how long the AI‑led momentum in equities can continue. Trade tariffs have been weaponised. And at home, the economy is still not growing fast enough to lift household incomes or employment. These realities matter for retirement outcomes.

When markets are strong, it’s a good time to bank gains, especially for pensioners who cannot afford to cut income next time the market dips. Consider de-risking and turning the euphoria into an enhanced guaranteed income for life.

Why with‑profit annuities fit the moment
With‑profit annuities give clients the opportunity to remain invested in growth assets, while securing the underpin of a guaranteed income for life and smoothing out volatility. In practical terms, that means:

• Income certainty: A guaranteed income for life that covers essential expenses.
• Participation: Ongoing exposure to well‑managed investment portfolios.
• Behavioural relief: Less pressure on clients (and advisers) to react to every market headline.
• Risk alignment: Reduced sensitivity to short‑term drawdowns and sequence risk.

The season of goodwill
This is a great time to give your pensioner clients the gift of a guaranteed income for life to bank the euphoria, reduce anxiety and improve the resilience of their retirement plans.

If you’d like support with case design, blending strategies, or communicating the benefits to clients, my team and I are here to help.

Deane Moore
Chief Executive Officer, Just SA