AN auction meant to sell the late president Nelson Mandela's personal belongings to the highest bidder has been suspended.
The items meant to be auctioned include Madiba's ID, artwork and artefacts, hearing aids, shoes and even his famous Madiba shirts.
The auction was scheduled to take place in the US on Thursday, 22 February, but the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) announced on Tuesday, 30 January that it had been suspended.
Daily Sun initially learnt about the sale on Guernsey's website, an auction house founded by Arlan Ettinger and Barbara Mintz, which is based in New York.
At the time, the auction house said proceeds of the auction would be used to build the Mandela Memorial Garden surrounding Madiba's resting place in Qunu, Eastern Cape.
But upon checking Guernsey's site again, Daily Sun was met with a note which read: "This auction has been suspended."
SAHRA spokesman Yazeed Sadien said after they learnt of the intended auction of about 74 items associated with Madiba, they engaged with Guernsey's and Dr Makaziwe Mandela to suspend the auction to allow the ongoing legal proceedings to be finalised.
These efforts proved successful ensuring the history is preserved.
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"SAHRA welcomed the decision by Guernsey's Auction House to suspend the auction. This decision aligns with our commitment 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 judgment 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. We value the cooperation of Guernsey's Auction House in this matter," said Sadien.
News that Madiba's items would be sold not only ruffled the feathers of many South Africans who questioned the sale, but the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa, who applied for leave to appeal the high court judgement in hopes of stopping the sale from happening.
He argued that these items are praised possessions and have a remarkable meaning to the country's history and its fight for freedom.
At the time, he echoed SAHRA's efforts to maintain the country's rich heritage.
