South African court clears path for sale of Nelson Mandela's personal items

A South African appeals court dismissed a challenge by the South African Heritage Resources Agency, allowing the planned export and sale of 70 personal items owned by Makaziwe Mandela and Christo Brand to proceed to an auction in the United States.

A South African court has dismissed an appeal by the country's heritage body to stop the sale and export of artefacts connected to Nelson Mandela. The items are owned by his eldest daughter, Makaziwe Mandela, and by Christo Brand, a former Robben Island warden. The objects were due to be exported to the United States for auction by the Guernsey auction house. The heritage agency had argued the objects were protected under the National Heritage Resources Act, but the appeals court found the agency's interpretation overly broad. Key points: - The lot includes 70 personal items, among them a Robben Island cell key, aviator sunglasses, a floral shirt, a constitution signed by Mandela, a charcoal drawing, an ID card, a tennis racquet used on Robben Island and gifts from world leaders. - The items belong to Makaziwe Mandela and to Christo Brand, who was a warden during Mandela's imprisonment. - The South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) sought to suspend the auction and have the items returned to South Africa, citing the National Heritage Resources Act. - The Supreme Court of Appeal said SAHRA's interpretation of what qualifies as a heritage object was overly broad and that SAHRA did not explain on what grounds it believed the items were heritage objects. - The auction house named in reporting was Guernsey and the sale was planned to take place in the United States. - It is not yet clear whether authorities will pursue other legal avenues to block the export or sale. Summary: The court ruling allows the planned sale and export to proceed unless further legal action is taken. Makaziwe Mandela has said proceeds were intended to fund a memorial garden at her father's grave. Undetermined at this time.