The South African government has appealed to the country's Supreme Court to try to prevent the auction, in the United States, of personal items belonging to Nelson Mandela, arguing that they are part of the national heritage. The legal battle over these objects began four years ago and involves 29 items, including the identity card of the anti-apartheid hero and some of the former South African president's iconic shirts.
An American auction house, in collaboration with one of Mandela's daughters, intends to put the items up for sale. South Africa's Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) and the Ministry of Culture have asked the Constitutional Court to declare the sale and export of these items illegal, arguing that they should remain in the country.
These objects are considered historical heritage of South Africa and the government maintains that their removal from the country violates heritage protection laws. The case awaits a court decision on the fate of Mandela's items.
