Auction of Madiba's belongings called off
A British-based auction house in Guernsey was set to oversee the auction however, it posted a suspension notice on Monday before completely removing details around it on its website.
FILE: Former South African President, Nelson Mandela. Photo: Wikimedia Commons/Library of the London School of Economics and Political Science
JOHANNESBURG - An auction of over 100 items belonging to South Africa's first democratically elected president and global icon Nelson Mandela has been called off.
Speaking exclusively to Eyewitness News, the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) confirmed the suspension of the controversial auction that was scheduled to take place on 22 February 2024.
A British-based auction house in Guernsey was set to oversee the auction however, it posted a suspension notice on Monday before completely removing details around it on its website.
In its most recent court bid on the 28th of December last year, SAHRA filed a leave of appeal application relating to the sale of Mandela's belongings.
Ultimately it lost the two-year battle against Mandela's daughter Makaziwe in its attempt to stop the auction of Madiba's items.
But the divisive auction was ultimately called off, prompting SAHRA to welcome the development.
"It has been suspended, we will be releasing a media statement soon," said spokesperson Yazeed Sadien.
Among the many cherished belongings of the former statesman up for sale were his popular Madiba shirts, drawings, his identity book and gifts from high-profile friends.
Eyewitness News reached out to Makaziwe for a response to no avail.