Johannesburg – The Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) has dismissed an appeal aimed at stopping Makaziwe Mandela, Nelson Mandela’s eldest daughter, from auctioning 29 of her late father’s personal belongings.
The items include keys to Mandela’s Robben Island prison cell, his hearing aid, ID documents, and a signed copy of the 1996 constitution.
The South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA), along with Robben Island Museum and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, had argued that the items should be protected as national heritage and subject to a two-step approval process under the National Heritage Resources Act.
SAHRA and Others v Dr Mandela and Others (825/24) [2026] ZASCA 06 (22 January 2026)
Today, the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) dismissed an appeal with costs from the Gauteng Division of the High Court, Pretoria (the high court). pic.twitter.com/nzWueNcObd— Supreme Court of Appeal ZA (@SCA_ZA) January 22, 2026
The SCA rejected this, ruling that the law does not require such restrictions, and found SAHRA’s claims too broad, unsupported, and constitutionally unclear.
Nelson Mandela ID book is one of the items to be autioned by his daughter Makaziwe for the Mandela Memorial in Qunu in Eastern Cape, After a long two year battle with SA government she won the case so that the things be autioned
SAPS Vaal pic.twitter.com/IoUTY9jTAJ
— IG:Joy-Zelda (@joy_zelda) January 22, 2026
“The court emphasised that laws affecting criminal liability and property rights must be clear, constitutionally compliant, and not absurdly broad,” read summary of the judgment.
The court also noted a lack of admissible evidence proving that the items held special cultural or heritage status.
[BREAKING NEWS] Madiba items to go under the hammer: SCA dismisses SAHRA’s efforts against Makaziwe Mandela auctioning Nelson Mandela’s personal property. #Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/swY64whh0J
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) January 22, 2026
“The court reiterated that the owners’ constitutional property rights cannot be limited on the basis of speculation or unsupported assertions.
“In the result, the SCA concluded that SAHRA had failed to establish that any of the listed items were heritage objects as defined in the Act.”
As a result, Makaziwe Mandela is legally permitted to proceed with the auction.
Nelson Mandela 1961 warrant of arrest document sold for R2,5m pic.twitter.com/WQ5DhHKray
— IG:Joy-Zelda (@joy_zelda) January 22, 2026
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
