Mandela's daughter defends right to sell his possesions
Cape Town, South Africa (PANA) – Former President Nelson Mandela’s daughter, Makaziwe, has been accused of selling his personal items for her own financial gain.
That’s according to a court bid by the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture which is attempting to repatriate artefacts belonging to the world statesman who died in 2013.
Makaziwe this week slammed the application, labelling it “stillborn” and stating that “his stuff is mine, and I have every right to sell it to whoever”.
Her answering affidavit filed at the Gauteng High Court disputes the list of more than 30 items that are deemed by the agency to be part of a national heritage estate that were taken across South Africa’s borders without required permits ever being issued.
The spat was sparked by New York-based auction house, Guernseys, which is seeking to keep the items, which include a pen given to Mandela by former US President George W. Bush.
The agency in January blocked an auction where the key to Mandela’s cell on Robben Island was expected to sell for more than $1 million.
Makaziwe noted that numerous people around the world own Nelson Mandela memorabilia, but they had not been harassed by the agency.
Makaziwe is the eldest daughter of Mandela and his first wife, Evelyn Mase.
-0- PANA CU/MA 8Sept2022
