Nelson Mandela’s eldest daughter, Makaziwe Mandela, has won a legal battle against South Africa’s heritage agency, clearing the way for her to sell and export 70 personal items belonging to the late antiapartheid leader.
The Supreme Court of Appeal on Friday dismissed an attempt by the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) to block the sale, ruling that the agency had applied an overly broad interpretation of the National Heritage Resources Act.
The court found that while Makaziwe Mandela and former Robben Island warden Christo Brand had explained why the items were not heritage objects, SAHRA had failed to justify its position.
The collection includes a Robben Island cell key, Mandela’s Aviator sunglasses, a floral shirt, a signed copy of the 1996 Constitution, a charcoal drawing, his ID card, a tennis racquet used in prison, and gifts from global leaders.
The items were originally destined for auction in the United States.
Makaziwe Mandela has said she intended to use proceeds from the sale to build a memorial garden at her father’s grave in Qunu, Eastern Cape province.
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