Mandela's daughter plans to auction items such as hearing aids, an ID card and symbolic “Madiba” T-shirts in the United States
South Africa is taking legal action to prevent the auction of 70 personal items belonging to Nelson Mandela, the iconic anti-apartheid leader. bbc reported.
His daughter, Makaziwe Mandela, plans to auction off items such as hearing aids, an ID card and symbolic “Madiba” T-shirts in the United States. However, the South African government maintains that these possessions belong to the nation and should not be taken out of the country, invoking national heritage laws.
The South African Heritage Resources Agency (Sahra) has lodged an appeal to block the sale, with support from the Ministry of Sports, Arts and Culture.
Minister Zizi Kodwa emphasizes the importance of preserving Mandela's legacy in South Africa, saying: “It is therefore 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. “.
The government had previously opposed the auction in 2021, leading to its cancellation and subsequent legal battles. While the Pretoria High Court initially allowed Makaziwe Mandela to proceed with the sale, the government is now appealing this decision, citing the “unpermitted exportation of the items for display or sale.”
The auction is scheduled for January 22 and the Guernsey auction house already has items for sale. The potential profits have sparked debate in South Africa, with some advocating government intervention to preserve the “priceless” items, while others argue for the family's discretion in the matter.
