The planned auction of Nelson Mandela’s personal belongings by New York’s Guernsey’s auction house has been suspended. This follows legal action by the South African Heritage Resources Agency seeking the return of the items, including Mandela’s “Madiba” shirts and hearing aids, scheduled for February 22.
This marks the second cancellation in three years, with Mandela’s daughter, Makaziwe Mandela, intending to sell the items to finance a memorial garden. The South African Heritage Resources Agency argued that some items, deemed “heritage objects” under South Africa’s Heritage Act, required a permit for removal.
Despite a court ruling favoring Mandela’s daughter in December, the agency sought permission to appeal, leading to the auction’s suspension. Guernsey’s president, Arlan Ettinger, cited “additional South African claims” complicating matters.
The agency appreciated Guernsey’s cooperation, calling the suspension a “responsible and considerate approach.” The appeal’s status is pending, and the agency awaits permission to proceed.
