South Africa
Guernsey's auction house in New York has halted the sale of approximately 70 personal items belonging to South Africa's anti-apartheid hero, Nelson Mandela.
The auction, titled "Mandela, The Auction SUSPENDED," was abruptly stopped without an explanation. The decision comes in response to public outcry in South Africa.
Makaziwe Mandela, the eldest daughter of Nelson Mandela, had planned to auction items such as his hearing aids, walking sticks, and reading glasses on February 22.
She aimed to use the proceeds to fund a memorial garden near his burial site. The South African Heritage Resources Agency (Sahra) contested her decision in court but lost the case. Sahra intends to appeal the ruling.
South Africa's Arts and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa said that blocking the sale was necessary as Mr Mandela "is integral to South Africa's heritage".
"It is thus important that we preserve the legacy of former President Mandela and ensure that his life's work experiences remain in the country for generations to come," he said.
Mr Mandela’s grandson, Ndaba, was quoted by local media as saying he too was opposed to the auction.
Mr Mandela died in 2013 at the age of 95.
He was imprisoned for nearly 30 years for fighting white-minority rule and became South Africa's first black president in 1994.
Go to video
Top 10 richest people in the world as of May 1, 2024
Go to video
Guinness World Records: Nigerian woman attempts record by painting nails for three days
Go to video
Global Citizen NOW urges investment in Sub-Saharan Africa
Go to video
Kenya appoints first woman air force head
Go to video
US says it will return to Chad for talks to keep troops in the country
Go to video
New form of mpox that may spread more easily found in Congo's biggest outbreak