Internet gripped by Mandela mania

INTERNET auction site bidorbuy has reported a surge in demand for Nelson Mandela memorabilia since the former president was admitted to hospital earlier this month.

‘‘Nelson Mandela-related items have always been popular on bidorbuy,” CEO Jaco Jonker said. “Now that the whole nation is holding its breath over [his] health . . . the interest in Mandela-themed items has soared.”

In the past seven days, about 550 Mandelarelated items have been sold — mostly coins and medallions. Among them were a 1kg silver centenary Mandela medallion, which sold for R12 000 on auction, and a Mandela 155.5g gold centenary medallion that went for R95 100.

Some of the Mandela coins include the R5 circulation coins, the 1994 presidential inauguration coin, the 2000 “smiling Mandela” coin and the 2008 coin minted to mark Mandela’s 90th birthday.

Jonker said interest in other Mandela memorabilia had also increased. Top items include:

A Nelson Mandela centenary 1kg gold medallion for R640 000;

An inauguration VIP folder signed by Mandela, with a R5 Mandela proof coin, at R350 000;

A signed photograph of Mandela looking out of his prison cell on Robben Island, used for the cover of The Illustrated Long Walk to Freedom, that can be bought for R85 000;

A 1998 Soccer World Cup ball signed by Mandela and former Bafana Bafana defender Lucas Radebe with the price tag of R25 000; and

The authorised biography Higher Than Hope, written by Fatima Meer and signed by Mandela, with a starting bid of R15 000.

Jonker said the search term “Mandela coins” had soared to fifth place in popularity on the site. “There are many Mandela coins and medallions listed,” he said.