Service, empathy and dedication: Van Wyk’s 25-year journey at GIPF
Bendelene van Wyk has dedicated 25 years to the Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF), building her career on positivity, respect and a genuine commitment to uplifting people. “I am truly grateful to be in a position where I can contribute to the well-being of our members and the overall success of the fund,” she says. This guiding belief has shaped her career path at the Swakopmund regional office.
Van Wyk joined the fund on 4 December 2000, first training in Windhoek before helping to establish the Swakopmund office.
She has remained there ever since, now serving as senior administrator. Her daily work is a blend of structure and unpredictability. Days begin with reviewing emails and prioritising urgent queries, followed by overseeing pension claim processing and guiding members through retirement options and general benefits education. As office supervisor, she ensures smooth operations, attends meetings on behalf of management when needed, and addresses client concerns with empathy.
Regional work is dynamic, and Van Wyk embraces the variety. “Each day presents new challenges and opportunities, making every workday unique and rewarding,” she explains. Her leadership style centres on communication, collaboration and mutual respect.
She believes a positive attitude can transform workplace culture. “A happy and healthy work environment starts with mutual respect, positivity and teamwork,” she says.
Van Wyk finds purpose in supporting others. “I care deeply about others and find joy in helping and uplifting those around me,” she shares, adding that laughter remains essential to her outlook. Her proudest achievement is her 25 years of service, as well as the knowledge she has gained and shared. She has completed several training courses and utilises her expertise to assist colleagues and enhance the Fund's operations.
Van Wyk recognises her strengths – commitment, problem solving and teamwork – while also acknowledging areas for growth, such as listening more carefully and learning to say no when necessary.
Her advice to young professionals is sincere and practical: be authentic, take initiative, keep learning, and remain accountable. Most importantly, she reminds them to rest. “Work is important, but life is too short to spend all your time at work beyond office hours.”
Van Wyk joined the fund on 4 December 2000, first training in Windhoek before helping to establish the Swakopmund office.
She has remained there ever since, now serving as senior administrator. Her daily work is a blend of structure and unpredictability. Days begin with reviewing emails and prioritising urgent queries, followed by overseeing pension claim processing and guiding members through retirement options and general benefits education. As office supervisor, she ensures smooth operations, attends meetings on behalf of management when needed, and addresses client concerns with empathy.
Regional work is dynamic, and Van Wyk embraces the variety. “Each day presents new challenges and opportunities, making every workday unique and rewarding,” she explains. Her leadership style centres on communication, collaboration and mutual respect.
She believes a positive attitude can transform workplace culture. “A happy and healthy work environment starts with mutual respect, positivity and teamwork,” she says.
Van Wyk finds purpose in supporting others. “I care deeply about others and find joy in helping and uplifting those around me,” she shares, adding that laughter remains essential to her outlook. Her proudest achievement is her 25 years of service, as well as the knowledge she has gained and shared. She has completed several training courses and utilises her expertise to assist colleagues and enhance the Fund's operations.
Van Wyk recognises her strengths – commitment, problem solving and teamwork – while also acknowledging areas for growth, such as listening more carefully and learning to say no when necessary.
Her advice to young professionals is sincere and practical: be authentic, take initiative, keep learning, and remain accountable. Most importantly, she reminds them to rest. “Work is important, but life is too short to spend all your time at work beyond office hours.”
