The South African government is making efforts to block the auction of approximately 70 personal items belonging to the iconic anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela in the United States.
The South African Heritage Resources Agency (Sahra), responsible for safeguarding the nation’s history and culture, has filed a court motion to prevent the sale, asserting its appeal filed in December.
The contentious auction, scheduled for January 22 in the US and organized by Mandela’s eldest daughter, Makaziwe Mandela, includes notable items such as a set of hearing aids, an identification card, gifts from world leaders, and pieces of the anti-apartheid hero’s clothing.
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Zizi Kodwa, the Minister for Sport, Arts, and Culture, expressed support for blocking the auction, stating, “It is thus important that we preserve the legacy of former President Mandela and ensure that his life’s work experiences remain in the country for generations to come.”
Despite a previous court ruling in December that granted Ms. Mandela approval to proceed with the auction, Sahra filed an appeal, contesting the government’s assertion that these items hold national heritage status.
The government had initially opposed the auction in 2021, arguing that the proposed sale items were, in fact, national artifacts. The auction, initially planned for 2022, faced cancellation, leading to a protracted two-year legal battle.
Nelson Mandela, a prominent anti-apartheid activist and political leader who spent 27 years in prison, served as South Africa’s first black president from 1994 to 1999. His legacy holds significant historical importance, and the government aims to protect and retain these personal artifacts within the country.