A South African court has dismissed an appeal by the country’s heritage body to stop the sale and export of 70 personal items belonging to Nelson Mandela, including a cell key from Robben Island, Aviator sunglasses, and one of his iconic floral shirts.
The items, owned by Mandela’s eldest daughter Makaziwe and Christo Brand, a former Robben Island warden, were set to be auctioned in the US.
The South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) had argued that the items were part of the country’s heritage and protected from export.
However, the Supreme Court of Appeal ruled that SAHRA’s interpretation was overly broad and that the agency failed to explain why the items were considered heritage objects.
Mandela’s daughter plans to use the sale proceeds to build a memorial garden at his grave in Qunu, Eastern Cape province.
The decision has sparked debate, with some arguing that the items should be kept in South Africa, while others believe Mandela’s family should decide their fate.
