Arts Minister Vows Transparency Over Discovered Rs 95 Million MASA Funds

The Minister of Arts and Cultural Heritage, Mahen Goondeea, has pledged that every cent of the Rs 95 million recently discovered in the Mauritius Society of Authors (MASA) accounts will be distributed with total transparency.

Speaking at the Artist Excellence and Lifetime Achievement Awards 2025 at the Serge Constantin Theatre on Wednesday evening, 6 May, the Minister confirmed he has commissioned a forensic audit by an independent firm.

The investigation aims to determine the exact origin of the funds and identify the rightful beneficiaries among the artistic community.

Rejection of Allegations

The announcement follows reports suggesting the Ministry intended to seize the discovered millions for its own use.

Minister Goondeea issued a stern warning to those spreading such claims, labeling the allegations as “lies” and “nonsense.”

“I ask those people to be very careful about what they say,” the Minister stated, emphasizing that the government’s priority is ensuring the money reaches the artists to whom it belongs.

Forensic Investigation

The decision to bring in an independent firm for a forensic audit is intended to guarantee a fair and clear distribution process.

By establishing a rigorous paper trail, the Ministry aims to resolve the mystery surrounding the dormant funds while maintaining public trust.

The Minister’s remarks served as a firm rebuttal to critics, as he insisted that “enough is enough” regarding misinformation surrounding the MASA accounts.

Source: Defi Media