Niël Terblanché
The Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) urged all pensioners, children, and spousal beneficiaries to complete their biometric verification (proof of life) process for the period ending on 30 June.
Those who fail to verify their status before the deadline risk having their monthly benefits suspended.
In a statement released on Wednesday, GIPF spokesperson Edwin Tjiramba stressed the importance of the verification process, stating that it ensures benefits are paid to the rightful recipients without delay.
“Proof of life on the biometric system is key to ensuring that the Fund pays benefits to the rightful beneficiaries and on time,” he said.
He also encouraged beneficiaries to verify their status at any GIPF office countrywide or make use of the recently introduced GIPF mobile verification app.
Tjiramba stated that the verification process must be completed three times a year, during the following periods: from 1 March to 30 June, from 1 July to 31 October, and from 1 November to 28 February.
To reduce the challenges associated with physical verification, GIPF launched the Biometric Verification Mobile Application and Biometric Verification Handheld Devices in October 2024.
The initiative aims to enhance efficiency and align with GIPF’s strategic objective of being a member-centric pension fund.
“The digital products and services have significantly improved the Fund’s business processes to ease the verification process,” he said.
Tjiramba added that while some beneficiaries may find biometric verification inconvenient due to long travel distances and transport costs, the process is vital to maintaining the Fund’s sustainability.
“Verification is necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Fund as these benefits are payable for life,” he explained.
He added that the GIPF has fully embraced digital transformation to streamline its operations, ensuring that only eligible members continue to receive benefits.
