Johannesburg – The South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) is reaching out to individuals, nations, institutions, or organizations that bestowed gifts or awards upon former President Nelson Mandela to share pertinent details.
“We respectfully ask that SAHRA be informed about the gifts or awards presented to Mandela during his roles as: President of the African National Congress, President of the Republic of South Africa, and after his presidency in 1999,” the agency communicated in a statement on Wednesday, 12 February 2025.
SAHRA is a regulatory body formed under the National Heritage Resources Act, No. 25 of 1999 (the NHRA).
The agency’s mandate includes identifying, managing, protecting, preserving, and conserving the heritage resources of the nation.
According to Section 32 of the NHRA, the protection of heritage objects and collections is ensured, regulating their movement outside of South Africa through SAHRA.
Furthermore, the NHRA makes provisions for the designation of heritage objects or collections that hold exceptional cultural significance for South Africa.
In 2017, SAHRA acknowledged the gifts and awards given to Mandela as possessing exceptional importance, thereby justifying their recognition as a Specifically Declared Heritage Collection.
“A complete inventory, which includes the provenance for each item, is one of the essential requirements for the declaration of heritage objects and collections,” SAHRA elaborated.
“It is crucial to ascertain how the items were obtained and if any stipulations were attached to them.
“This information needs to be compiled prior to the completion of the formal declaration through a gazette notice.”
SAHRA further expressed: “This is a call to all South African citizens, foreign nations, individuals, organizations, institutions, and former and current heads of state to provide information to SAHRA regarding any gifts or awards received by Mandela during his time as: President of the African National Congress, President of the Republic of South Africa, and post-1999 after his presidency.”
Mandela, recognized as the first South African president elected through a fully representative democratic process and the nation’s first black head of state, passed away on 5 December 2013 at the age of 95.
Moreover, the agency has asked individuals who come forward to clarify if any specific conditions were tied to the presentation of the gifts.
“Please be aware that we aim to finalize this process by 17 February 2025,” SAHRA indicated.
“We would greatly appreciate it if this request is treated with the urgency it requires. We look forward to your cooperation.”
Please direct your responses to Ms. Nolitha Ngcai at:
Email – nngcai@sahra.org.za
Contact no: 0727810780
