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Court rejects heritage body's bid to halt Mandela artefacts sale
South Africa's Supreme Court of Appeal has dismissed an attempt by the national heritage agency to block the sale and export of 70 personal items belonging to Nelson Mandela, including a Robben Island cell key and a signed constitution.
Items set for US auction
The collection, owned by Mandela's eldest daughter Makaziwe Mandela and former Robben Island warden Christo Brand, was due to be sold in the United States. Among the artefacts are a key from Mandela's prison cell, a pair of Aviator sunglasses, one of his signature floral shirts, and a copy of the 1996 South African Constitution personally signed by him.
Other notable items include a charcoal drawing by Mandela, an ID card, a tennis racquet used during his imprisonment, and gifts from global leaders such as former US President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle.
Heritage agency challenges sale
The South African Heritage Resources Agency (Sahra) argued that the artefacts were part of the nation's heritage and legally protected from export. The agency first learned of the planned auction in late 2021 through a British newspaper report, which claimed the cell key alone could fetch over £1 million ($1.35 million).
Sahra subsequently requested the US auction house, Guernsey's, to suspend the sale and return the items to South Africa. However, the court ruled that Sahra's interpretation of the National Heritage Resources Act was overly broad and lacked specific justification for classifying the items as heritage objects.
Family defends decision
Makaziwe Mandela, the only daughter from Mandela's first marriage, welcomed the court's decision, criticising the heritage agency for presuming to know her father's wishes better than his family. She stated,
"Nobody is more invested in ensuring Tata's [Mandela's] legacy endures in the way he would want to be remembered than those who carry his name."
She added that no final decision had been made regarding the fate of the items. Proceeds from the sale were initially intended to fund a memorial garden at Mandela's grave in Qunu, Eastern Cape province.
Divided opinions on artefacts' future
Supporters of the government's stance argue that Mandela's belongings should remain in South Africa for future generations. Others contend that the family should have the right to decide the fate of the artefacts.
Mandela, who died in 2013 at the age of 95, led the African National Congress in its fight against apartheid and became South Africa's first democratically elected president in 1994. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 alongside then-President FW de Klerk.
Next steps unclear
It remains uncertain whether South African authorities will pursue further legal action to prevent the sale. The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has not yet responded to requests for comment.
