The South African government filed a motion in court to prevent the sale of a planned auction in the US of about 70 personal items belonging to South Africa's anti-apartheid hero, Nelson Mandela. 

The body that protects the country's history and culture, the South African Heritage Resources Agency, says "it had filed an appeal to block the sale" in December. 

The controversial auction in the US, according to the media reports, planned for January 22 by Mandela's eldest daughter, Makaziwe Mandela, includes a set of hearing aids, an ID card, gifts from world leaders, and some of the leader's clothing. 

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Guernsey's auction house, situated in New York, has officially included these items for auction, indicating that the shirt could potentially fetch a price of $70,000, while the hearing aids might reach up to $20,000. Nevertheless, it is important to note that objects deemed as part of the national heritage are prohibited from being exported from the country according to South African law.

Sale had been approved in December

Zizi Kodwa, the country's minister for the sport, arts, and culture ministry said his ministry was backing the case "for the sake of maintaining the country's rich heritage", adding that "it is thus important that we preserve the legacy of former President Mandela and ensure that his life's work experiences remain in the country for generations to come."

MEDIA STATEMENT

The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Mr Zizi Kodwa expresses significant concern over the impending sale of items associated with former President Nelson Mandela. pic.twitter.com/BsY8wT0vS6

— Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (@SportArtsCultur) January 19, 2024

In December, the High Court in Pretoria permitted Ms. Mandela to proceed with the sale of the items. This decision contested the government's claim that the items were of national heritage, a stance challenged by the South African Heritage Resources Agency (Sahra), leading to the filing of its appeal.

Today is recognized as #MandelaDay, coinciding with the birthday of the famous apartheid fighter Nelson Mandela. pic.twitter.com/Xokc8GCles

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) July 18, 2022

Initially, the government had objected to the auction when it was initially announced in 2021, contending that the items slated for sale held national significance as artifacts. The contentious auction, initially scheduled for 2022, was subsequently canceled, sparking a two-year legal dispute.