Why Auction Of Nelson Mandela Treasure Items Was Suspended

The auction of approximately 70 personal items that belonged to former South African President Nelson Mandela has been suspended amidst controversy.

The items up for auction include a set of hearing aids, an ID card, gifts from world leaders, and some of the iconic “Madiba” shirts worn by the first democratic president of South Africa.

Guernsey, the New York auction house, announced on their website that the auction, titled “Mandela: The Auction,” has been suspended, but they did not provide a reason for the suspension.

This comes after significant opposition from the South African people against the sale of these items.

The South African government is making efforts to halt the controversial auction. They argue that the items belong to the nation and are considered part of the country’s national heritage.

Makaziwe Mandela, the eldest daughter of Nelson Mandela, initiated the auction in the United States.

However, the South African government maintains that the items should not be taken out of the country, as they are considered valuable cultural artifacts.

The South African Heritage Resources Agency (Sahra), a government body responsible for safeguarding the country’s history and culture, has filed an appeal to block the sale.

The Ministry of Sport, Arts, and Culture in South Africa supports this appeal. Minister Zizi Kodwa stated that they are backing the case in order to preserve the country’s rich heritage and the legacy of former President Mandela.

He emphasized the importance of maintaining Mandela’s life and work within the country for future generations.

The government opposed the auction when it was initially announced in 2021, arguing that some of the items slated for sale are national artifacts.

As a result, the original auction planned for 2022 was canceled, and a legal battle ensued for two years.

Last month, the High Court in Pretoria granted permission for Ms. Mandela to proceed with the sale, dismissing the government’s argument that the items are part of the nation’s heritage.

Minister Kodwa has requested that Sahra refrain from proceeding with the auction, and the Ministry of Culture filed a request to appeal the court’s decision, citing the unauthorized export and sale of the items.

The auction was scheduled to begin on January 22, but it has now been suspended.

The motives behind Mandela’s daughter attempting to sell her father’s possessions remain unclear.

The New York-based Guernsey auction house listed the items for auction, with the hearing aids priced at $20,000 (£16,000) and one of Mandela’s shirts potentially fetching up to $70,000.

Ms. Mandela has not responded to the government’s latest opposition, and other members of the Mandela family or the Nelson Mandela Foundation have not made any statements.

She previously stated that the proceeds from the auction would go towards building a memorial garden in honor of Mandela near his burial site.

The auction has sparked controversy in South Africa, with some calling for the government to prevent the sale of these “priceless” items, while others believe that the issue should be left to the discretion of the Mandela family.

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