Presidential spokesperson Mac Maharaj is to retire, the Presidency announced on Tuesday.

Maharaj will retire at the end of April 2015.

“Mr Maharaj, President Zumas former Special Envoy and former Cabinet Minister in South Africas 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 Jacob Zuma.

Mr Harold Maloka, Deputy Director-General in the Government Communication and Information System, will be acting spokesperson from May 2015 until further notice. News24