Auction of Nelson Mandela Items Set After Court Fight With Government

Nelson Mandela’s eldest daughter is moving forward with an auction next month of the former president’s personal belongings after a two-year legal battle with the South African government, which had tried to block such a sale saying the items were artifacts of national heritage.

The proposed sale had drawn attention when it was announced in 2021. South African officials balked, objecting in particular to the sale of a key to the Robben Island prison cell where Mr. Mandela was held.

Proceeds from the auction are intended to finance a memorial garden honoring Mr. Mandela, who dedicated most of his life to emancipating South Africa from white minority rule, the organizers said. He died in 2013 at 95, 23 years after his release from prison and 19 years after he was elected president.

The key, which was the piece that initially led to the government’s misgivings about the auction, has been part of a traveling exhibit. While it is not currently included in the sale, organizers say there is still a chance it could be added.

In attempting to block the auction, the South African Heritage Resources Agency went to court, arguing in its filings that some of the 70 items now for sale were “heritage objects” under the nation’s Heritage Act, and, as such, could not be removed from the country without a permit.