Auction of Nelson Mandela's Personal Belongings Suspended Amid Legal Battle

South African Heritage Resources Agency argues the items are national heritage, halting the auction intended to fund a memorial garden.

Nelson Mandela's personal belongings, including his iconic 'Madiba' shirts, hearing aids, and gifts from U.S. presidents, were scheduled to be auctioned by Guernsey's auction house in New York.
The auction, organized in conjunction with Mandela's eldest daughter, Makaziwe Mandela, was intended to raise funds for a memorial garden.
The South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) filed court papers to halt the auction, arguing that the items are considered 'heritage objects' under the nation's Heritage Act.
This is the second time an attempt to auction Mandela's items has been halted. The first attempt in 2022 was also canceled due to similar concerns.
Guernsey's auction house has suspended the auction following the outcry and ongoing legal proceedings.