The South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) considers the export of former President Nelson Mandela's personal belongings to the United States illegal and will seek to prevent their sale at auction, the agency's spokesperson Ben Mwasinga told Sputnik.
The auction of about 75 Mandela-related items and belongings is scheduled to take place in New York on February 22. The deal is between the Guernsey-based auction house and the ex-president's daughter, Makaziwe Mandela.
The South African government had previously succeeded in blocking bidding attempts, but in December, the country's High Court ruled that the authorities' claim to Mandela's belongings as part of his legacy was excessive.
In a statement made available to Sputnik, SAHRA said it respects the court's decision. At the same time, it notes that the ruling has been appealed and the status of the former president's belongings is still the subject of litigation.
"Dr. Makaziwe Mandela is aware of our position," Mwasinga added in an interview with Sputnik.
In addition to SAHRA, South Africa's Department of Sport, Arts and Culture and the Robben Island Museum, where Mandela was imprisoned, also opposed the court's decision. An appeal is pending before the High Court.
The auction house plans to sell Mandela's hearing aids, his identity card, gifts from world leaders and some wardrobe items.
Nelson Mandela (1918-2013) was a leader of the African National Congress (ANC) and an anti-apartheid activist. He was imprisoned several times by the white-minority government of South Africa. In 1994, the country held its first black-participating national elections, and Mandela became the first black president of South Africa. He served as president until 1999.