Careers Hub: Celebrating two decades of protecting dignity nationwide

Fuentes journey started in April 2003, shifting from the public sector to the corporate environment. "Moving from statutory social practice to a corporate setting presented unique challenges, particularly the need to align professional ethics and social work principles with the Fund's rules and governance framework." Fuentes reflects. Fuentes obtained qualifications from the University of Namibia (UNAM) and went on to complete Masters degree at the University of Pretoria. Fuentes contributed significantly to strengthening social services and delivery nationwide “My work underscores the vital role of the pension industry in protecting members' financial security through fair, evidence-based decisions that consider both legal requirements and complex social realities,” she says 

Typical daily work, Bertha navigates complex cultural beliefs, misinformation and family dynamics-on cases which often involve widows and orphaned beneficiaries. In some cases, relatives deliberately conceal the existence of rightful beneficiaries, or beneficiaries feel compelled to surrender their benefits to senior family members due to cultural expectations, often leaving these family members financially vulnerable," she explains. "These realities continuously strengthen my resolve to protect and empower beneficiaries", she adds.

Guided by legislation such as the " Child Care and Protection Act of 2015", Fuentes collaborates with Traditional Authorities, government ministries, and faith-based institutions to ensure thorough verification and sustainable outcomes. 

   Her proudest contribution to GIPF is the "psychological pre-retirement programme", introduced in 2004. This initiative highlights that retirement is not only a financial transition- but also psychological, she notes. "It helps retirees process their feelings about retirement, make informed financial decisions, and prepare for a secure and meaningful post-retirement life".