MEDIA STATEMENT

MEDIA STATEMENT ON

MANDELA OBJECTS AUCTION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) acknowledges and respects the recent judgment of the High Court relating to the unpermitted export for exhibition or sale on auction of items associated with former President Rolihlahla Nelson Mandela. SAHRA’s commitment to upholding heritage preservation principles is unwavering. Out of concern regarding the potential impact of the judgment on the preservation of heritage objects in South Africa, SAHRA, together with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (the Department), and the Robben Island Museum (the Museum), lodged an application for leave to appeal the judgment on 28 December 2023. The application is pending before the High Court. See full statement below.
Mandela Objects Auction - Media Statement SAHRA