Nelson Mandela’s ID book is one of the items to be auctioned off by his daughter, Makaziwe Mandela. Images via X /@geoffreyyor.
Discover the story behind Mandela’s ID auction, where his personal green ID book is expected to fetch over R1.4 million.
Nelson Mandela’s ID book is one of the items to be auctioned off by his daughter, Makaziwe Mandela. Images via X /@geoffreyyor.
The upcoming auction featuring Nelson Mandela’s personal green ID book is generating significant interest, with auctioneers estimating it could fetch upwards of R1.4 million. Set to take place next month, this rare item is among a collection of 70 artifacts from the late president’s estate.
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Guernsey’s, the auction house managing the sale, highlights the ID book as a poignant symbol of Mandela’s journey. It represents his first legitimate form of identification post-apartheid, marking a significant phase in South Africa’s history and Mandela’s transformation from a prisoner to a renowned leader and human rights advocate.
Despite some domestic criticism over the auction of Mandela’s personal items, interest remains high. Four bidders were already monitoring the ID’s auction page as of last Friday.
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However, the South African Heritage Resources Agency (Sahra) is actively working to protect certain Mandela artifacts from being auctioned by his daughter, Makaziwe Mandela.
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While the ID book isn’t part of the disputed items, Sahra, supported by the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Zizi Kodwa, is pushing for 29 of Mandela’s possessions to be recognized as heritage objects.
Last year, Sahra’s efforts to prevent the auction were unsuccessful in the Pretoria high court. However, the agency, backed by the government and the Robben Island Museum, recently appealed the decision.
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They are currently reviewing the auction’s legality and considering various options to halt the sale of these significant items.
The auction will also feature other notable items from Mandela’s collection, each with its unique historical significance and anticipated value.