The Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) last week conducted a one-day media workshop to help journalists improve their reporting of financial information. 

The workshop was held in partnership with the Witwatersrand Centre for Journalism under the theme “Mastering the art of storytelling with numbers.” 

The training was facilitated by Gillian Jones from Johannesburg, with more than 25 years of experience in financial communications and journalism. During the workshop, she shared skills for turning complex financial data into simple, clear stories for the public. 

Journalists from print and broadcast media attended the training. They learned how to explain financial topics more clearly so that readers, listeners, and viewers can understand them more easily. 

GIPF is one of the largest pension funds in Namibia. It has more than 105 000 active members and over 50 000 pensioners and beneficiaries. The fund plays an important role in the country’s economy through its investments and benefits. 

Speaking at the workshop, GIPF Chief Executive Officer Martin Inkumbi said the goal was not to influence how journalists report, but to help them better understand and explain financial information. 

“We are not here to change your editorial policies, but to help you turn numbers into stories that make sense to you and your audience,” he said. 

Inkumbi noted that financial terms such as returns, risks, and fund performance can be difficult to understand. 

He said the workshop helps journalists explain these topics in a simple way that ordinary people can relate to. 

GIPF said the media plays an important role in sharing information with its members and the public. The fund added that clear communication about its investments, benefits, and rules helps build trust and transparency. 

The workshop is part of GIPF’s ongoing effort to improve communication and ensure that its members understand how the fund works and how it impacts their lives. 

-pmukokobi@nepc.com.na