Africa-Press – Seychelles. Local artists are being encouraged to register with the Seychelles Pension Fund (SFP) and to start paying the pension contribution so they could benefit upon retirement.
SPF representatives were at the International Conference Centre Seychelles (ICCS) yesterday afternoon to provide them with information about the pension and the procedure to register. The meeting was held in collaboration with the Creative Seychelles Agency (CSA).
Very few artists turned up for the meeting which was attended by the SPF’s chief executive, Nisreen Abdul Majid and senior SPF officials, and the CSA’s chief executive, Emmanuel D’Offay.
In his presentation, Darrel Bristol, head of corporate communications, who gave an overview of the raison d’être of SPF, said that given that artists form part of the informal sector, many are not registered with SPF.
He explained that although not obligatory, those who wish to contribute towards their retirement pension could now register and pay the mandatory 10% rate as prescribed by law on their declared earnings or a rate of R746 declared from the minimum salary for those who do not have a declared earning.
Mr Bristol stated that those who have contributed towards their pension in the past while on employment and have stopped doing so, can used the payback system in place to re-align their pension while they continue with the payment of 10%.
He added that artists who have retired and wish to benefit with a pension will also have to use the same back pay system to get a pension.
He also gave details about personal contribution.
Speaking to the press, Vanessa Dingwall, assistant marketing and PR manager of SPF, said “this is a continuation of our ‘Protecting You’ campaign that we started with the farmers in 2019. As we have seen, there are many artists who are not registered with Seychelles Pension Fund meaning they do not have a retirement plan. We want to show them the benefit of being a registered member and show the contribution will not only go towards their own benefit but also to that of their dependents. SPF likes to prepare its members for the long term and also to be their backup plan when they are no longer able to work,” she said.
Mr D’Offay said that through the collaboration with SPF, they want to encourage artists to start making their contributions.
He added that many artists failed to pay their contributions, which have led to them living in poverty or dying penniless when they are unable to perform.
“We want to educate them that no matter the age or the work that you do, you need to have a retirement plan. Pension fund, social security, tax, they are your retirement plan. So the moment has come for artists to be serious or else they will always see themselves in that kind of situation. I know some artists are making their contributions for their retirement and this is very good,” said Mr D’Offay.
He stated that although disappointed with the turnout out of the 2000 plus artists from across the country, they will be organising another meeting to ensure they reach the maximum number of people.
“It is always a pity that people do not seize such opportunities. It is for this reason that we will hold another meeting and I hope that they do come this time to learn about something of significant importance to them. I also hope that those that were present do act as ambassadors and encourage their colleagues to attend the next meeting,” Mr D’Offay added.
Artist Nigel Henry said that it was a good initiative taken by SPF to meet with them, instead of the opposite, which shows true commitment.
“I really appreciate that Seychelles Pension Fund and Creative Seychelles Agency have collaborated and held this discussion with the artists. I think this is a very good initiative to meet with us rather than the other way round. This shows true commitment and seriousness. Most of us are not employed and we were a bit afraid that we will never be able to get a pension in the future. But we now know how to go about this and also to align our pension for us to benefit to the fullest. We had a good discussion but I think the turnout should have been better,” Mr Henry said.
It is to be noted that the age for pension fund contribution is between 15 and 65 years.
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