NaPAN wants representation on GIPF Board

Government pensioners who belong to the National Pensioners Association of Namibia (NaPAN) want to be presented on the Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) Board of Trustees.

This will allow them to have a say in determining the annual pension increase and in how the funds in the GIPF are managed. The association is also lobbying for the ‘2, 4 formula’ to be increased. This formula is used to determine pension amounts.

NaPAN’s Vice Chairman, Gert Jansen, said there are about 5 000 pensioners in the Khomas Region and up to 40 000 pensioners countrywide.

“Because we all have a common destiny which is so closely tied up to the fund, which is the GIPF, it is important that we unite in some kind of organisation where we can talk to each other and voice our opinions on issues that need to be heard,” said Jansen.

Branch Chairman Alan Hattle said that the GIPF Board of Trustees has nine members of which three are from unions. Hattle added that unions are not silent - they make their voices heard and they have influence.

“They are selected by the trade unions who can demand feedback and accountability from them. But on the Fund’s Board of Trustees - the bread and butter for over 40 000 pensioners - there is not a single trustee selected by the pensioners. What is the difference between us and the unions?” asked Hattle.
He said the GIPF, that has been making news for the past two years, is “so vital to us”. “There are more than 40 000 pensioners and yet the voice of the pensioner has been almost totally silent - we seem to have zero influence.”

Hattle said for the organisation to fight for issues that could improve pensioners’ lives they need to become organised and need the pensioners input. Once this happens they will be able to request annual bonuses, better cover of medical expenses and tax reductions.

“If we are united and organised, we can appeal to businesses for discounts or special dispensation. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could convince businesses to give pensioners a discount? I cannot guarantee that such an appeal would be successful, but we can give it a try - with your strong voice behind us.”

He added that they need financial support to operate and called on pensioners to make a membership donation. However, they are also looking at ways of how they can generate funds, Hattle said.

A pensioner, who spoke of condition of anonymity, said he worked for the Government for 38 years and is in full support of the association’s requests because the money they get is not enough.

“Why can’t we get a 13th cheque or bonus - there is enough money in the GIPF. If I die one day, my children will not eat my money,” remarked the pensioner.

Anoinette Kaute, 61, is a retired school cleaner. Her monthly pension from the GIPF is N$500. Kaute wants a pension increment to at least N$1 000 per month.

“I have to do everything with this money. I have children who are still in school, I buy food and pay the bills. They should add to our pension or give us a bonus,” she said.

NaPAN was established in May 2009 and caters for Government pensioners only. The association has various regional committees.

click to enlarge LOBBYING: NaPAN members are in front, from the left, Pat Louw (Treasurer), Mavis Plaatjies (Secretary), Dr Ada Schmidt- Dumont and at the back, from the left, Vice Chairman Gert Jansen, Chairman Alan Hattle and Daan Nel