The controversial auction of approximately 70 personal items belonging to South Africa’s anti-apartheid icon, Nelson Mandela, has been suspended, announced New York-based Guernsey’s auction house on its website with the message “Mandela, The Auction SUSPENDED.”
The decision follows a public outcry in South Africa over the sale of items such as Mandela’s hearing aids, walking sticks, and reading glasses.
Makaziwe Mandela, the late leader’s eldest daughter, had planned to auction the items on February 22, intending to use the proceeds to create a memorial garden near Mandela’s burial site.
The South African Heritage Resources Agency (Sahra) contested this decision in court but lost, stating its intention to appeal.
South Africa’s Arts and Culture Minister, Zizi Kodwa, emphasized the necessity of blocking the sale, asserting that Mandela is “integral to South Africa’s heritage.”
He highlighted the importance of preserving Mandela’s legacy within the country.
Ndaba Mandela, the late leader’s grandson, voiced his opposition to the auction, expressing dismay at the inclusion of Mandela’s ID book among the items for sale.
He criticized the decision, stating, “Who sells their father’s ID book? That’s insane. You’re robbing South Africa of its heritage.”
Nelson Mandela, a key figure in the struggle against apartheid, passed away in 2013 at the age of 95.
He spent nearly 30 years imprisoned for fighting white-minority rule and later became South Africa’s first black president in 1994, serving until 1999.
Source-BBC
