A South African court has affirmed the sale and export of several items associated with anti-apartheid figure Nelson Mandela. The Supreme Court of Appeal dismissed an appeal by the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) to prevent the transaction.
Key Details
- The collection includes 70 personal items, such as a cell key from Robben Island, a pair of Aviator sunglasses, and one of Mandela's signature floral shirts.
- Other items listed are a copy of the 1996 South African Constitution signed by Mandela, one of his charcoal drawings, an ID card, a tennis racquet he used on Robben Island, and gifts from world leaders.
- The objects belong to Mandela's eldest daughter, Makaziwe Mandela, and Christo Brand, a former Robben Island warden.
- The items were intended for auction in the United States.
Legal Challenge and Ruling
SAHRA initiated efforts to stop the sale after learning about the potential auction in late 2021, stating that the items were part of the country's heritage and protected from export. SAHRA requested the US auction house, Guernsey, to suspend the auction and return the assets to South Africa.
The Supreme Court of Appeal ruled that SAHRA's interpretation of items falling under the National Heritage Resources Act was broad. The court noted that Makaziwe Mandela and Christo Brand provided detailed explanations for why their respective assets were not heritage objects, while SAHRA did not adequately support its claim.
Purpose of Sale and Public Discussion
Makaziwe Mandela indicated that the proceeds from the sale are intended to fund the construction of a memorial garden at her father's grave in Qunu, Eastern Cape province.
Public opinion on the sale varies. Some hold that items connected to Mandela should remain in South Africa for future generations, while others believe that Mandela's family should determine the fate of the objects. It remains unclear whether authorities will pursue additional legal actions to block the sale.
Background
Nelson Mandela, who passed away in 2013 at the age of 95, led the African National Congress in its efforts against apartheid, a system of legally enforced racism. He was released from prison in 1990 and awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. Mandela became South Africa's first democratically elected president in 1994.