GIPF Chairman ‘not suspended’

THE embattled Chairman of the Government Institutions Pension Fund, Maru Tjihumino, has recused himself from all board meetings and was therefore not suspended, GIPF CEO Primus Hango said yesterday.

Hango said the GIPF board had resolved during a board meeting on August 22 to commission an independent investigation into accusations that Tjihumino had tried to obtain a share in the Swakopmund Waterfront Development Company. A statement issued at the time said Tjihumino was not asked to attend this meeting.But according to a statement issued by Hango yesterday, Tjihumino had at least initially attended that meeting, and thereafter confirmed that he would recuse himself as chairman and not attend any board meetings until the allegations had been properly investigated.”Media reports suggesting that Mr Tjihumino had been suspended by the board are accordingly incorrect,” Hango’s statement read.Former Attorney General Hartmut Ruppel has been appointed as the acting chairman of the GIPF Board of Trustees in the interim, Hango said.A firm of lawyers had been instructed to conduct the investigation, Hango said.It was independently established that Sisa Namandje Legal Practitioners have been appointed to handle the enquiry.”Depending on the findings by the lawyers, which are expected very soon, further steps will then be decided by the Trustees [of the GIPF],” Hango said.* John Grobler is a freelance journalist; 081 240 1587A statement issued at the time said Tjihumino was not asked to attend this meeting.But according to a statement issued by Hango yesterday, Tjihumino had at least initially attended that meeting, and thereafter confirmed that he would recuse himself as chairman and not attend any board meetings until the allegations had been properly investigated.”Media reports suggesting that Mr Tjihumino had been suspended by the board are accordingly incorrect,” Hango’s statement read.Former Attorney General Hartmut Ruppel has been appointed as the acting chairman of the GIPF Board of Trustees in the interim, Hango said.A firm of lawyers had been instructed to conduct the investigation, Hango said.It was independently established that Sisa Namandje Legal Practitioners have been appointed to handle the enquiry.”Depending on the findings by the lawyers, which are expected very soon, further steps will then be decided by the Trustees [of the GIPF],” Hango said. * John Grobler is a freelance journalist; 081 240 1587