South Africa Opposes Auction of Nelson Mandela’s Personal Items

South Africa’s government is taking measures to halt the controversial auction of 70 personal items that belonged to anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela. The collection includes hearing aids, an ID card, gifts from world leaders, and iconic “Madiba” shirts worn by the first democratically elected president. The auction is organized by Mandela’s eldest daughter, Makaziwe Mandela, in the United States.

The South African government argues that these items are part of the nation’s heritage and should not leave South Africa, citing the country’s laws prohibiting the removal of items considered national heritage. The South African Heritage Resources Agency (Sahra), responsible for safeguarding the country’s history and culture, has filed an appeal to prevent the sale, supported by the Ministry of Sport, Arts, and Culture.

Minister Zizi Kodwa emphasizes the importance of preserving Mandela’s legacy within South Africa’s heritage, stating that Mandela is integral to the country’s history. The government previously opposed the auction in 2021, leading to its cancellation, followed by a two-year legal battle. Recently, the High Court in Pretoria permitted Ms. Mandela to proceed with the auction, disagreeing with the government’s claim that the items were of national heritage.

Minister Kodwa argues that the auction should not proceed since Sahra and the culture ministry have requested an appeal, citing concerns about the unpermitted export and sale of these items. The auction is scheduled to begin on February 22, but it remains uncertain if the government’s appeal will halt the process.

Guernsey’s auction house in New York has already listed the items for sale, estimating that the hearing aids could fetch up to $20,000 (£16,000), and one of Mandela’s shirts might sell for as much as $70,000. As of now, neither Ms. Mandela nor other members of the Mandela family or the Nelson Mandela Foundation have responded to the government’s latest opposition.

Ms. Mandela previously stated that proceeds from the auction would be used to establish a memorial garden in honor of Mandela near his burial site. The planned auction has generated controversy in South Africa, with some advocating for government intervention to prevent the sale of these “priceless” items, while others believe that the matter should be left to the discretion of the Mandela family.

Nelson Mandela, who passed away in 2013 at the age of 95, led the African National Congress in its struggle against apartheid, endured 27 years of imprisonment, and became South Africa’s first democratically elected president in 1994.