Mont Choisy, 19 July 2025: The South African Chamber of Commerce in Mauritius (SACC), in collaboration with Absa Mauritius, hosted an Art Event: ‘Celebrating creativity and investment’ on Friday, July 18, 2025, at the Mont Choisy Le Golf Heritage Zone. The event marked the formal launch of a new strategic partnership between the two organisations, bringing together business leaders, collectors, and cultural figures to explore how art functions both as cultural heritage and as a recognised investment asset.
The evening was attended by Her Excellency, South African High Commissioner to Mauritius Dr. Hlamalani Nelly Manzini, alongside senior Absa Mauritius representatives: Iqbal Rajahbalee (Chairman), Ravin Dajee (Managing Director), Jaysen Nundoosingh (Director & Head of Wealth), and Aslam Taher (Head of Wholesale Banking) – as well as investors, SACC members, and prominent artists.
Opening the event, The South African Chamber of Commerce’s President, Bilal Adam, highlighted the significance of the occasion: “This evening marks a milestone for the Chamber – our first event in collaboration with Absa Mauritius as a strategic partner, and a reminder that wealth management, at its highest level, is itself an art. It is no coincidence that we gather on Mandela Day, a day that calls on each of us to serve and contribute in ways that matter. As Mandela observed, art transcends boundaries and reaches where politics cannot. Tonight, we celebrate creativity as a unifying force and direct its impact toward Reef Conservation, affirming that the most enduring investments are those that safeguard both cultural legacy and the natural world that sustains us.”
In his remarks, Managing Director of Absa Mauritius Ravin Dajee, underlined the broader purpose behind Absa Bank’s engagement: “We are proud to officially launch our partnership with the South African Chamber of Commerce, a meaningful step in Absa Mauritius’ commitment to creating value that goes beyond traditional banking. We believe that wealth is more than financial achievement, it’s also about the legacy we leave behind — one shaped by the people, culture, and ideas we choose to invest in. That is why we are committed to supporting local talent and promoting Mauritius’ artistic heritage, both as a cultural asset and as a viable avenue for alternative investment. Through this partnership, we strengthen cross-border relationships and help elevate our creative community, reinforcing our ambition to shape a vibrant, inclusive future for Mauritius and the African continent.”
Coinciding with Mandela Day’s call to take action that improves communities, a live auction raised Rs 212,000 for Reef Conservation Mauritius, directly funding marine protection and education initiatives. The auction featured works generously donated by Patrick Mavros, Jocelyn Thomasse, Deepa Bauhadoor, and Sharon Thompson (Shazabelle).
A centrepiece of the evening was a high‑level panel exploring how art operates as both a cultural record and investment vehicle.
Senior Specialist and Curator at the Absa Gallery, Dr. Paul Bayliss, opened the discussion by describing art as a universal language that resonates across generations. Drawing on his experience curating one of Africa’s most respected corporate collections, he highlighted how African creativity – including the work emerging from Mauritius – is gaining significant traction on the global stage. He encouraged collectors to look beyond Eurocentric markets, noting that investing in regional talent is both culturally meaningful and financially sound.
Head of Wealth at Absa Mauritius, Jaysen Nundoosingh, positioned art within a modern wealth strategy. He shared data showing the global art market valued at approximately USD 500 billion and projected to reach USD 944 billion by 2033. He explained that allocating part of a portfolio to collectibles like art not only diversifies risk but also allows investors to hold assets that carry a story and legacy far beyond their monetary value.
Artist and academic, Fadya Nazirkhan, brought an intimate perspective on how art can be a vehicle for advocacy and awareness. While her body of work spans themes of identity, memory and place, much of her recent practice focuses on the fragility of marine ecosystems. Through paintings that capture coastal change and biodiversity loss, she uses visual storytelling to make complex environmental issues tangible, prompting reflection and dialogue about sustainability.
On the other hand, curator and gallerist Shay Hewett explored what underpins the long‑term value of art in emerging markets. She emphasised that provenance, curation, and gallery representation are not formalities but essential mechanisms that build trust, verify authenticity, and support an artwork’s ability to appreciate over time. For collectors, she explained, investing in art is about more than acquisition – it is about engaging with the narratives, networks, and stewardship that sustain artistic value across generations.
Together, the panel underscored that investing in art is no longer just a matter of taste; it is a serious asset class that can both preserve cultural identity and deliver returns, while amplifying issues of sustainability and social impact.
The exhibition curated by Shay Hewett Fine Art Gallery featured works by Patrick Mavros, Ardmore Design, Jocelyn Thomasse, Deepa Bauhadoor, Pamela Saramandif, David Rogers (Dévid), Fadya Nazirkhan, Raymond Levantard, Lutfiya Nanhuck, Sharon Thompson (Shazabelle), Steven John Wilkins, Ronald Revollo, Gaël Froget, and Untamed by WayfarerLady, illustrating the breadth and vitality of Mauritian and African talent.
