South Africa Fights to Halt Auction of Mandela's Personal Items

Government argues items are of national heritage, while daughter plans to use proceeds for memorial garden

The South African government is attempting to halt the auction of 70 personal items belonging to the late former President Nelson Mandela, arguing that they are of national heritage and should remain in the country.
The items, which include Mandela's ID card, hearing aids, clothing, gifts from world leaders, and his iconic “Madiba” shirts, are being auctioned off by his eldest daughter, Makaziwe Mandela, in the United States.
The South African Heritage Resources Agency has filed an appeal to prevent the auction, which is set to take place in February in New York.
If the government's appeal fails, the auction will proceed, with proceeds intended to be used to build a memorial garden at Mandela's resting place in Qunu in the Eastern Cape.
The auction has sparked heated debates in South Africa, with many criticizing the sale of what they consider to be the nation's cultural heritage.