The South African government has condemned an upcoming auction in the US of the key which kept former South African president Nelson Mandela locked behind bars for almost 20 years.
Guernsey’s, a New York-based auction company, is holding an auction online next month that will feature a variety of items which were significant during Mandela’s lifetime.
And the key which kept Mandela behind bars on Robben Island is believed to be set to fetch more than £1million when it sells.
South African Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa (pictured, file image from July 3, 2017) has said the auction should not go ahead and that the key ‘belongs to the people of South Africa’
But today, the South African Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture has spoken out against the auction.
Nathi Mathethwa 54 said, ‘It is inconceivable for Guernseys which is clearly conscious of the painful past of our country, as well the symbolism associated with the key, that they would consider selling the key without consultation with South Africa Government, heritage authorities South Africa, Robben Island Museum and South Africa.
“This key is owned by the South African people under Robben Island Museum’s care. This key is not the personal property of anyone.
Mthethwa said: “The key must immediately be returned to the rightful owners and the auction must stop.
The key is from Robben Island near Cape Town, where the antiapartheid protester was imprisoned by the white authorities.
“Currently, I am in discussion with the Robben Island Museum Council and Minister Justice and Correctional Services. Ronald Lamola and National Heritage Council discuss the best steps to prevent the auction and ensure the return of South Africa’s key.
Also, the statement stated that Robben Island Museum is legally mandated to preserve and collect objects related to the prison.
MailOnline reached out for further comment to Guernsey’s and Christo brands.
The key is from Robben Island near Cape Town, where the antiapartheid campaigner was imprisoned by the white authorities.
Christo Brand was the prisoner who used it and became his friend. He is selling the key in small metal more than seven decades after Mandela’s passing.
Mandela, at 95 years old, died in 2013. The key will now be auctioned at an auction in New York next week.
Arlan Ettinger was the president and founder of Guernseys auction house in New York. This is the greatest and worst of human nature. Mandela was held unjustly in prison for 27 years, while his first prisoner, an 18-year old boy who was working as a clerk at his first job was his second.
“The guard, who had to supervise some of the most dangerous prison inmates, found that Mandela was a gentle, kind, and thoughtful man. The friendship lasted all of Mandela’s life, from prison to the presidency.
“What this key represents is an incredible part of South Africa’s history. It can also be used to refer to the rest of the world.
In 1964, Mandela was sentenced to life imprisonment at the age of 46, initially on Robben island where he would be kept for 18 years
The auction house has put a reserve of $250,000 (£186,000) but Mr Ettinger says it could well fetch more than a million pounds.
He said, “We hope it’s not purchased by someone who only wants it. It is so symbolic that everybody should be able see it.”
Mandela made his famous speech from the Dock on April 20, 1964, as he was facing the death sentence. I have always believed in a free and democratic society where all people live in peace and harmony with each other.
“It’s an ideal I want to live for, and achieve. However, if it’s necessary, it’s an ideal for which you are prepared to die.” These were words that exemplified his dedication for the struggle for equality as well as for the end of South African apartheid.
Christo Brand (pictured, who was Mandela’s prisoner) used the key. Now, seven years later, the small-sized metal key is being sold by Brand.
Years of unjust imprisonment and a Nobel Peace Prize later, Nelson Mandela voted for the first time in 1994 and in the same year, he became the first democratically-elected President of South Africa.
Nelson Mandela spent 18 years of his 27-year old captivity on the notorious Robben Island. However, Mandela contributed outside the prison that is known for its inhumane treatment.
While prison inmates weren’t allowed to write or send more than two letters per calendar year, Mandela with the support of fellow inmates as well as visitors was able to get statements and letters which continued his anti-apartheid campaign.
Mandela worked tirelessly for prisoners’ rights, and was released from prison in a rehabilitation program. These are both available for sale.
Christo Brand, a jailer (photo with Mandela, 1998) used the key and became his friend. He is selling the key in small metal more than seven decades after Mandela’s passing.