S Africa: Preparatory purchase of keys to Mandela prison is stopped | Nelson Mandela News

The government agency said the sale was delayed because the goods had left South Africa without ‘necessary permits’.

Fixed to sell of a key cell holder former South African First Black President and anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela suspended.

The keys to the Robben Island prison cell, where Mandela spent 18 of 27 years in prison, were smashed by the United States Guernsey’s retail store into a hammer on January 28.

Guernsey announced on its page that the sale was suspended until further notice “in anticipation of a review” by the South African Heritage Resources Agency.

Government agency called for a halt to trade “Not because they believe it was stolen but because things left South Africa without the necessary permits,” Guernsey President Arlan Ettinger said.

Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa praised the store for agreeing to suspend the market.

In a statement, the ministry said “the key represents the tragic history of South Africa and the victory of the human spirit over evil.

“This key is a real testament to the South African people who travel a long way to freedom and belong to the people of South Africa. So he should be sent back to this country. ”

‘Most Generous’

The secret was one of the things that should be traded between different colors including the image “Madiba”Shirts, goggles and custom markers.

The money would be used to build the Mandela Memorial Garden in his hometown.

Ettinger said his company was connected to one of Mandela’s daughters to sell weapons, including keys.

Former Mandela prison guard Christo Brand, who found an unexpected and lasting friendship with the symbol of anti-apartheid, held the key to the 1980s.

It was demolished and “returned to the authorities … to Mandela”, said Ettinger, praising Brand for being “too generous to leave the property to help build a garden”.

The vendors explained that they had complied with the government’s decision.

“I know this hurts the Mandela family, it hurts us, but … they [government] they are doing what they think is right, we do not agree with them, “he said.

Mandela was elected South Africa’s first democratically elected president in May 1994 and held the post until June 1999. He died at the age of 95 in December 2013.