By: Natasha Archary

Following the Nelson Mandela auction being suspended without reason, the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) has issued a statement.
The SAHRA says it engaged with the auction house, Guernsey’s and the late former President’s daughter, Dr Makaziwe Mandela to suspend the auction to allow legal proceedings to run its course.
After a 2-year legal battle, Nelson Mandela’s eldest daughter, decided to put up almost 100 items belonging to her father, including his ID book, and the key to his Robben Island prison cell amongst others.
The SAHRA contested the auction going ahead citing the items that belonged to Mandela as pieces of South African history and heritage.
“SAHRA welcomes the decision by Guernsey’s Auction House to suspend the auction. This decision aligns with our committment to the conservation of South Africa’s cultural heritage, and we appreciate the recognition of the sensitivity surrounding these significant artefacts.
As SAHRA pursues the application for leave to appeal the recent High Court judgement related to the export of heritage objects, the suspension of the auction is a responsible and considerate approach.
It allows the ongoing legal proceedings to be concluded and affords SAHRA the opportunity to pursue its objective of preserving the cultural heritage of our nation.”
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