SAHRA’s Appeal: Bid to Halt Auction of Mandela’s Belongings Gains Momentum

The South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) is determined to prevent the proposed online auction of Nelson Mandela’s personal belongings, vowing to continue its fight.

SAHRA, along with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, and the Robben Island Museum, has filed an application for leave to appeal a recent judgment that allowed the auction to proceed.

The auction, originally scheduled for January 28, 2022, was delayed due to legal challenges. SAHRA contends that 29 of the items are heritage objects, urging their return to South Africa. The heritage agency, along with government bodies, is currently assessing the lawfulness and implications of the impending auction.