Source: New York Times
“A South African court on Friday dismissed an appeal by the country’s heritage body to prevent the sale and export of memorabilia belonging to the anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela. The items are in the hands of Mr. Mandela’s eldest daughter, Makaziwe Mandela, and Christo Brand, a warden who worked at Robben Island while he was incarcerated there. The collection includes a Mandela coin from the U.S. Mint and gifts from former U.S. presidents, including a blanket from President Barack Obama, a champagne cooler from President Bill Clinton and a pen from President George W. Bush. … The Supreme Court of Appeal, with four of the five judges concurring, ruled that the state had failed to prove the items were protected under the heritage act.” (01/24/26)