THE Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa has said the legacy of the late former President Nelson Mandela cannot be forgotten.
This comes as Mandela's personal belongings, including his ID book, artwork and artefacts, hearing aids, shoes, and even his famous Madiba shirt, will be sold to the highest bidder in an auction.
The auction is scheduled to take place in the United States of America on Thursday, 22 February.
According to Guernsey's, an auction house founded by Arlan Ettinger and Barbara Mintz and based in New York, the proceeds from the event will be used for building the Mandela Memorial Garden surrounding the Mandela resting place in Qunu, Eastern Cape.
The sale of the items will fund the creation of the Mandela Memorial Garden around Madiba's grave in Qunu, Eastern Cape.
However, this decision didn't sit well in the ears of Kodwa, who has now applied for leave to appeal the High Court judgement in hopes of stopping the sale from happening.
He argued that these items are prised possessions and have a remarkable meaning to the country's history and its fight for freedom.
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"Former President Nelson Mandela is integral to South Africa's heritage. His life, experiences and legacy live in our consciousness and in the values we promote as a country. It is thus important that we preserve the legacy of former President Mandela and ensure that his life's work and experiences remain in the country for generations to come," he said.
The auctioneers, based in New York, have set a minimum price of $75,000 for Nelson Mandela's ID book, and an estimated price of $150,000 to $175,000.https://t.co/obvgGnpKQ6 https://t.co/m8zWhGaaiP
— Geoffrey York (@geoffreyyork) January 18, 2024
He further said that the legacy of former President Mandela and many others who have contributed to getting South Africa to where it is today as a free, democratic, and culturally diverse nation cannot be forgotten.
As a result, he echoed SAHRA's efforts to maintain the country's rich heritage.
While the application for leave was lodged on 28 December alongside SAHRA and Robben Island Museum, it has been confirmed that the matter is still in court.
SAHRA acknowledged the ongoing legal battle over the action and said it requires careful consideration due to the historical and cultural importance of the items at risk of sale.
"SAHRA, the Department and the Museum are urgently assessing the lawfulness and implications of the impending auction and considering all available remedies.
"This is not only to protect and promote a commitment to conserving South Africa's rich cultural heritage but also to contributing to the global discourse on responsible cultural heritage stewardship," SAHRA spokesman Yazeed Sadien said.
Daily Sun reached out to the Mandela family; however, their call rang with no answer.
