The Nelson Mandela Foundation, a foundation that aims to keep the memory of the South African leader alive, told News24 not having heard anything about the auction and not being happy about it. According to the foundation, the key is state property. “It’s not up to an individual to put the property up for sale,” said Sello Hatang, the Foundation’s president.
South African Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa also commented on the issue. He aims his arrows at the auction house. “It is incomprehensible that Guensey’s, who must be aware of the painful history of our country and the symbolic value of the key, would like to auction it without consulting the South African government and the Robben Island Museum.”
In addition to the key, more items from Mandela will go under the hammer on January 28. Items up for auction include a tennis racket and an exercise bike that the ANC leader used during his captivity, as well as sunglasses, pens and a shirt.
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