The Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) commemorated Global Ethics Day on 15 October 2025 under the global theme “Ethics Re-Envisioned.” The Fund reaffirmed its dedication to fostering an ethical, transparent, and accountable organizational culture.
Global Ethics Day, initiated over a decade ago by the Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs in New York, is observed worldwide to highlight the essential role ethics play in creating just and responsible societies. GIPF supports this observance as it aligns with its core values of integrity and ethical behavior in the workplace. The Fund invited stakeholders to participate in activities that strengthen ethical awareness and reinforce its commitment to accountability.
A key feature of the event was the introduction of GIPF’s revamped whistleblowing platform, enabling employees and stakeholders to confidentially and anonymously report unethical conduct. The platform is accessible via the toll-free number 0800 205 888 and email GIPF@tipoffs.com, as part of the Fund’s broader ethics management strategy.
The keynote address was delivered by the Right Honourable Prime Minister of Namibia, Dr. Elijah Ngurare, a leading advocate for ethical governance and principled leadership in the public sector. The Prime Minister highlighted the detrimental effects of corruption on socio-economic development, stating, “Corruption is a result of unethical conduct that negatively impacts our country’s resources and infrastructure development, which was meant to improve living conditions for our Namibians.”
Advocate Bience Gawanas, renowned Namibian lawyer, diplomat, and social justice advocate, graced the event as guest speaker. She emphasized the necessity of integrating ethical standards into organizational operations to lift the living standards of marginalized communities. “Corruption diverts resources from the people who need them most,” Advocate Gawanas said. She also stressed the importance of safe whistleblowing platforms to protect those exposing unethical behavior, calling corruption a disease and ethics the cure.
The day featured a panel discussion titled “Ethics Re-Envisioned: Embedding Ethical Principles at the Heart of Our Organisations,” which brought together experts in governance and corporate ethics, including GIPF’s Compliance Manager Sabine Halberstadt, along with Vistorina Iilonga and Bryan Kandjiriomuini.
Adding a lighter touch to the event, local comedian Big Mitch delivered a thought-provoking routine on workplace ethical dilemmas, engaging attendees with humor and insight.
GIPF CEO and Principal Officer Mr. Martin Inkumbi stressed the critical role of integrity in building trust, the foundation for high performance. “Ethics creates trust and breeds legitimacy in the eyes of all that we associate with,” he explained. Inkumbi urged stakeholders to actively speak out against unethical conduct, underscoring that accountability begins with individual responsibility.
Chairperson of the GIPF Board of Trustees, Mr. Penda Ithindi, reinforced the Board’s commitment to ethical oversight. He highlighted the importance of embedding ethical standards consistently across all Fund operations to drive accountability from leadership down to every level.
GIPF’s ongoing focus on ethical governance, transparency, and compliance continues to inform its delivery of pension and related benefits, ensuring integrity is central to its mission as a responsible custodian of members’ contributions.
Through ethics awareness programs and institutional capacity building, GIPF remains dedicated to maintaining trust and accountability in service to its members and beneficiaries.
