Presenter(s):

Lulama Mabala, North – West University (PhASRec), South Africa

Abstract

The concept of retirement is undergoing significant transformation, especially among South African pre-retirees who are actively preparing for this life stage. No longer viewed as a passive conclusion to one’s career, retirement is increasingly recognized as a dynamic period marked by personal growth, sustained engagement, and the pursuit of fulfilment, particularly through leisure. However, deeply rooted societal norms that equate productivity with worth continue to shape individuals’ perceptions of how this time should be spent. Among the current generation of pre-retirees, particularly those influenced by a strong work ethic, leisure is often undervalued or approached with the same rigidity as professional obligations. These attitudes may hinder the potential benefits of leisure, including improved health, social connectedness, and overall life satisfaction. In South Africa, rising life expectancy from 55.8 years in 2000 to 61.5 years in 2021 emphasizes the growing importance of planning for a longer retirement phase, one in which leisure can play a critical role in enhancing quality of life. This issue is further complicated by the varying meanings attributed to leisure across occupational groups. While blue-collar workers may view leisure as necessary recovery, white-collar workers often seek intellectual or social stimulation through it. These differing perspectives raise important questions about how individuals’ work and leisure values influence their transition into retirement and overall well-being. In response to these challenges, an upcoming study will investigate the relationships between leisure ethic, work ethic, leisure engagement, and life satisfaction among South African pre-retirees. The findings aim to inform both individuals and organisations about the significance of leisure in retirement preparation and contribute to more holistic retirement planning practices.
Key words: work ethic, leisure ethic, leisure engagement, life satisfaction, pre-retirees

Bio(s):

Lulama Marlene Mabala is a dedicated lecturer at North-West University in the Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Human Movement Sciences: Recreation Science, where she has been serving since January 2020. With a strong academic background in recreation and health sciences, she is passionate about advancing knowledge in the field of leisure and recreation.
Lulama earned her Bachelor’s degree in Health Science in Recreation and Psychology in 2017, followed by an Honours Degree in Health Science in Recreation Science in 2018, where she explored the correlation between constraints and frequency of participation in campus recreational sports among university students. In 2019, she pursued a Post Graduate Certificate in Education, majoring in Business Studies and Physical Education.
Her academic journey continued with a Master of Health Sciences in Recreation Science, completed in 2023. Her research focused on employees’ perceptions of leisure and retirement during the twelve months before retirement in the Kenneth Kaunda District of the North-West Province. Currently, she is furthering her expertise by pursuing a PhD in Health Science in Recreation Science.
Beyond academia, Lulama is deeply passionate about successful aging and leisure, as well as fostering a better understanding of their role in overall well-being. She is an enthusiast of self-improvement, learning, and community engagement. Her experience in recreation, business studies, physical education, and supervision has enhanced her skills in priority setting, communication, networking, planning, organising, and diversity management.
In her free time, she enjoys running, playing padel, watching K-dramas, and reading. She remains committed to making meaningful contributions to the field of recreation science while fostering growth and innovation in her profession.