An interview was conducted with Minister Mahendra Gondeea, Ministry of Arts and Culture of Mauritius, to explore his personal journey, the challenges encountered along his path and his vision for the development of the country’s cultural and artistic sectors. Insights into his initiatives and commitments aimed at promoting and preserving Mauritius’(s) rich cultural heritage were also discussed.
1. Can you share with us your personal journey and what inspired you to dedicate your career to politics in Mauritius?
My personal journey began in the professional world, starting in 1985 with an agro-food company where I quickly learned the importance of responsibility and building strong relationships, especially through import-export activities. This experience led me to work with a Sri Lankan freight company in 1996, helping (them) to establish their operations in Mauritius.
In 2002, I founded Snehan Freight Ltd, a family business named after my children, Nehan and Sneha. This entrepreneurial path taught me invaluable lessons in leadership, resilience and community engagement.
I am proud to be a member of the Labour Party and I have always adhered to the inspiring vision of Dr. Navin Ramgoolam. His dedication to social justice and development has been a guiding light for me.
My decision to dedicate my career to politics was driven by a deep desire to serve my community and address the challenges I witnessed in both business and society. Politics gave me the (a) platform to work towards meaningful change, grounded in sincerity, teamwork and progress.
Serving as Lord Mayor of Port Louis and being honoured as Officer of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean have been great privileges that reinforce my commitment to public service. After years of hard work and advocacy, I was elected in the general election of 2024 and today I have the honour of serving as the Minister of Arts and Culture. This new role allows me to combine my passion for public service with my dedication to promoting Mauritius’ rich cultural heritage.
2. What were some of the biggest challenges that you faced along your path to becoming a politician and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges I faced on my path to becoming a politician was balancing the demands of building a successful business while committing myself to public service. Starting Snehan Freight Ltd was a huge responsibility, especially as a family business named after my children; the stakes were very personal.
Entering politics also meant stepping into a world where expectations are high and scrutiny is constant. Navigating political dynamics, especially in a party with a rich history like the Labour Party, required patience, resilience and the ability to listen deeply.
Another significant challenge was confronting the legacy of mistrust and scepticism (scepticism) among the public towards politicians. I knew that to make a real difference, I had to lead with sincerity, transparency and by building genuine relationships based on respect.
I overcame these challenges through hard work, perseverance and staying true to my values. My commitment to teamwork, continuous learning and serving the community helped me gain the trust and support necessary to move forward.
3. Could you tell us about a particular project or initiative you are most proud of in your career so far?
One of the moments I cherish most in my journey is my time as Lord Mayor of Port Louis from 2008 to 2009. It wasn’t just a title; it was a profound responsibility and an opportunity to serve my city and my roots.
During that time, I poured my heart into revitalizing the capital. I launched the renovation of the municipal markets, not just as an infrastructure project but as a mission to restore pride and dignity to both vendors and the thousands of Mauritians who pass through those halls every day. For me, it was about giving back to the people — the small shopkeepers, families and workers — who make Port Louis breathe.
I also worked tirelessly to bring culture back into the heart of the city by supporting artists, celebrating our heritage and ensuring Port Louis remained a vibrant and lively space where culture could thrive. It wasn’t always easy but it was always worth it.
That chapter shaped me profoundly. It taught me that true leadership is about being close to the people, understanding their daily realities and making decisions with both courage and compassion.
Today, as Minister of Arts and Culture, I carry those same values with me. I will never forget that it was in the streets, markets and homes of Port Louis where I truly learned what it means to serve.
4. What are the current priorities of the Ministry of Arts and Culture in promoting Mauritian heritage and arts?
Our first and most important priority is to listen.
Before rushing into reforms, we believe it is vital to hear from every stakeholder — artists, creators, cultural organizations, community leaders and the public. That’s why we will soon be organizing “Les Assises des Arts et de la Culture”, a national platform where everyone in the sector will have a voice. It’s time we co-create the future of our arts and culture, together.
We are committed to being close to the people, especially our artists. Because, let’s be honest, they have suffered too much under the past regime. They have been sidelined, undervalued and often left without support. That time is over.
Our vision is bold: to bring arts and culture to the very top of national life — not just as entertainment but as a symbol of who we are. We want every Mauritian to feel proud of our incredible cultural heritage. We want the world to see Mauritius not only as a tropical paradise but also as a beacon of creativity, diversity and identity.
We want to see our artists on stage, in galleries and in cinemas — not just in Mauritius but internationally. We want them to have access to support, training, platforms and recognition. We aim to create a system where an artist can dream, grow and become world-renowned — starting from a small village in Mauritius to the grandest stages across the globe.
This is not just about policy; it’s about dignity, restoring trust and unleashing the soul of our nation.
We are not here merely to manage the sector; we are here to uplift it.
5. What does the government plan to do to support local artists and cultural organizations in the coming years?
Right now, we are reviewing every form of support that has been given to our artists and cultural organizations because the system we inherited is broken.
We want to rebuild from the ground up and reshape support mechanisms to fit today’s realities. Our artists deserve to be valued, respected and truly recognized — not just by us but by the whole world. To achieve this, they need all the tools, resources and support that enable them to thrive.
We have already begun renovating national theatres and venues so our artists have affordable, quality spaces to perform.
We will soon launch a one-stop shop for artists, so they no longer have to run from office to office just to organize a single event. It’s time to make their lives easier.
We are also reviewing all board members of cultural parastatal bodies to ensure only the most competent and passionate individuals serve, and to eliminate nepotism and cronyism that plagued the sector under previous administrations.
Before the end of the year, we will establish a National Arts Open Commission, an independent body to oversee everything related to arts and culture, ensuring transparency and accountability.
For the long-term, our vision includes building a state-of-the-art concert hall — an iconic venue where our artists can perform on the world stage and international talents can come to Mauritius.
We also aim to develop cultural tourism that celebrates our rich heritage and vibrant arts scene, creating jobs, boosting the economy and positioning Mauritius on the global cultural map.
6. What message would you like to send to Mauritian artists and individuals who are dedicated to our cultural identity?
For too long, you have been ignored, undervalued and left to struggle in the shadows, by a government that failed to see your worth. Your talent was treated as a burden rather than a treasure.
You suffered neglect, lack of support and empty promises. Many of you fought alone, your voices silenced or drowned by mismanagement and nepotism.
But today, I want to tell you: enough is enough.
We see you, we hear your pain and your dreams. We understand that your art is not just entertainment; it is the very soul of Mauritius.
This government is committed to changing that narrative. We are dedicated to rebuilding the arts sector from the ground up , with honesty, respect and genuine support.
You will no longer be sidelined or forgotten. We will provide you with spaces to perform, resources to grow and recognition to shine because you deserve nothing less.
This interview was featured in the UK-based newspaper, Mauritius Now