A South African court has dismissed an appeal by the country's heritage body to stop the sale and export of various artefacts connected to anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela.
The 70 personal items include a cell key from Robben Island, where Mandela was imprisoned for 18 of the 27 years he was locked up, a pair of Aviator sunglasses, and one of his signature floral shirts. They were due to be exported to the US for auction.
The objects belong to his eldest daughter, Makaziwe Mandela, and Christo Brand, a Robben Island warden during Mandela's incarceration.
The authorities claimed they were part of the country's heritage and thus legally protected from export. However, the Supreme Court of Appeal argued that the South African Heritage Resources Agency's interpretation of applicable laws was overly broad.
Among the items up for auction are a copy of the 1996 South African Constitution signed by Mandela, one of his charcoal drawings, and gifts from world leaders including former US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle.
Mandela's daughter aims to use the proceeds from the sale to establish a memorial garden at the late former president's grave in Qunu, Eastern Cape province.
While some supporters of the government's position argue items linked to Mandela should remain in South Africa for future generations, others contend that his family should have the final say in the disposition of these artifacts.
Mandela passed away in 2013 at the age of 95 after leading the African National Congress in its struggle against apartheid.
