The controversial auction of 70 personal belongings of Nelson Mandela, the anti-apartheid hero, is being opposed by the government of South Africa.
A set of hearing aids, an ID card, presents from international leaders, and some of the first democratic president’s attire, including his provocative “Madiba” shirts, are among them.
Makaziwe Mandela, his eldest daughter, is putting the goods up for sale in the US.
However, the South African government asserts that the objects are national property.
It is illegal to remove objects deemed to be part of South Africa’s national heritage from the country.
The government organization in charge of preserving the history and culture of the nation, the South African Heritage Resources Agency (Sahra), said that it has filed an appeal to stop the sale.
The ministry of sport, arts, and culture has endorsed the appeal. The argument is being supported, according to Minister Zizi Kodwa, “for the sake of maintaining the country’s rich heritage”.
He continued by saying that Mandela “is integral to South Africa’s heritage” and that this was why the sale had to be blocked.
“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.”
When the auction was first announced in 2021, the government objected, claiming that some of the objects up for sale were national treasures.
Consequently, the first auction, scheduled for 2022, was canceled, and a two-year legal dispute started.
The antiques were finally approved for sale by the Pretoria High Court last month, rejecting the government’s claim that they were part of the nation’s cultural heritage.
The Guernsey’s auction house in New York has already put the goods up for sale. For instance, it states that a single blouse may sell for up to $70,000 and that hearing aids might bring in much to $20,000 (£16,000).