Current:Home > FinanceAn auction of Nelson Mandela’s possessions is suspended as South Africa fights to keep them -ProfitBlueprint Hub
An auction of Nelson Mandela’s possessions is suspended as South Africa fights to keep them
View
Date:2025-04-25 22:37:08
JOHANNESBURG (AP) — The planned auction of dozens of artifacts belonging to Nelson Mandela has been suspended pending a court application to completely halt it, the body that protects South Africa’s cultural heritage said Tuesday.
The online auction had been scheduled by New York-based Guernsey’s auction house on Feb. 24, in conjunction with Dr Makaziwe Mandela, the eldest daughter of the anti-apartheid icon and South Africa’s first democratically elected president who died in 2013.
It had received widespread criticism from the public and the South African government, which is supporting a court application by the South African Heritage Resources Agency, or SAHRA, to appeal an earlier court judgment that gave the auction the go-ahead.
Items listed for the auction include Mandela’s iconic Ray-Ban sunglasses and “Madiba” shirts, personal letters he wrote from prison, as well as a blanket gifted to him by former U.S. President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle.
A champagne cooler that was a present from former U.S. President Bill Clinton was also on the list, with bidding for it starting at $24,000. Also among the items is Mandela’s “book” — his identification document following his 1993 release from prison.
On its website, Guernsey’s described the planned auction as “nothing short of remarkable,” and said that proceeds would be used for the building of the Mandela Memorial Garden in Qunu, the village where he is buried.
A note on the auctioneers’ website on Tuesday indicated that the auction had been suspended without providing any further details.
SAHRA said in statement that the suspension is a result of its engagement with Dr. Mandela and the auction house.
“SAHRA welcomes the decision by Guernsey’s Auction House to suspend the auction,” the agency said.
The agency is awaiting the outcome of an application for leave to appeal the decision by the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria to let the auction go ahead, dismissing an interdict by the agency in December last year.
The agency argues that the items to be auctioned are the country’s cultural heritage artifacts and should be preserved for future generations instead of being sold to the highest bidder.
veryGood! (263)
Related
- California DMV apologizes for license plate that some say mocks Oct. 7 attack on Israel
- These are weirdest things Uber passengers left behind last year
- Patriots deny report that Robert Kraft warned Arthur Blank against hiring Bill Belichick
- Man arrested after 3 shot to death in central Indiana apartment complex
- North Carolina justices rule for restaurants in COVID
- Remains identified as 2 missing Kansas women at center of Oklahoma murder case
- John Lennon's son Sean Ono Lennon, Paul McCartney's son James McCartney release song together
- Zendaya Teases Her 2024 Met Gala Appearance and We’re Ready for the Greatest Show
- Former Syrian official arrested in California who oversaw prison charged with torture
- Four people shot -- one fatally -- in the Bronx by shooters on scooters
Ranking
- Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
- European astronomers discover Milky Way's largest stellar-mass black hole: What to know
- Breaking Down JoJo Siwa and Lil Tay’s Feud
- CBS News poll: Rising numbers of Americans say Biden should encourage Israel to stop Gaza actions
- What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
- Tornadoes cause damage in Kansas and Iowa as severe storms hit Midwest
- Whitey Herzog, Hall of Fame St. Louis Cardinals manager, dies at 92
- We Promise Checking Out Victoria Beckham's Style Evolution Is What You Really, Really Want
Recommendation
Macy's says employee who allegedly hid $150 million in expenses had no major 'impact'
A storm dumps record rain across the desert nation of UAE and floods the Dubai airport
Zion Williamson shines in postseason debut, but leg injury leaves status in question
Rory McIlroy shoots down LIV Golf rumors: 'I will play the PGA Tour for the rest of my career'
DoorDash steps up driver ID checks after traffic safety complaints
Senate opposition leaves South Carolina energy bill with listless future
Wisconsin Supreme Court to hear arguments in Democratic governor’s suit against GOP-led Legislature
The United States and China are expected to win the most medals at the Paris Olympics