25 years of dedication to service excellence at GIPF

Gregory Friedburgh, a senior benefit administrator at the Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF), has dedicated over 25 years to the fund and contributed his expertise across multiple divisions.

With a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a diploma in business/finance, Friedburgh has, during his tenure, served across three divisions - client services, benefit processing and the annuity division.

Additionally, he has been an active participant in multiple committees including the training, grading and affirmative action committees.

Friedburgh explained that his motivation to stay with the GIPF for so long comes from his passion for serving pensioners and orphans, as well as collaborating with his fellow team members.

"It has always been fulfilling to know that my work directly impacts the lives of those who depend on us as a fund," he said.

Looking back on his career, Friedburgh noted his role as the chairman of the GIPF Employee Pension Fund (GEPF) board and his tenure as a long-standing union representative for GIPF employees as highlights.

“Being involved in negotiating salary increments for nearly two decades has been one of my most significant achievements,” he said.

The growth of GIPF over the years has been particularly exciting for Friedburgh.

“From its inception in 1999, I have witnessed GIPF transition from managing millions to handling billions through strategic investments,” he said.

One of the most meaningful initiatives Friedburgh worked on was the data management project, a key part of the broader business processing improvement project. He highlighted this experience as a pivotal moment in his career, reflecting on the challenges and rewards that came with it.



Guiding force

When asked about the person who has had the most influence on his career, Friedburgh was quick to credit Belinda Williams, head of benefits processing. “She has been a guiding force since the start of my career at Sanlam and has supported me throughout my journey at GIPF,” he said. He also recalled an amusing experience - representing GIPF on a trip to Lesotho, which remains a memorable moment.

If he could give advice to his younger self on his first day at GIPF, Friedburgh would remind himself that “I can do all things”. He emphasised his ability to thrive in fast-paced environments and adapt to new skills and technologies.

Outside of work, he enjoys playing tennis, soccer, swimming and spending time with his family through activities such as a traditional braai. “These hobbies help me unwind and maintain a healthy work-life balance,” he noted.

Looking ahead, Friedburgh envisions himself as part of the leadership team guiding GIPF towards continued success. “Over the next five years, I hope to contribute to shaping the future direction of the fund."