Collection of Pik Botha’s personal items to be auctioned

A unique collection of personal items of the late former foreign affairs minister, Pik Botha will on Saturday be auctioned in Pretoria.

Botha died in his sleep last year at his house in Pretoria.

He was the longest serving Minister of Foreign Affairs in the world. Botha served under presidents John Vorster, PW Botha, FW de Klerk and Nelson Mandela.

The collection include a few pieces of furniture, books and awards he received.

The auctioneer Michael Bernardi, says the heart of the collection is the medallions that has historical value.

Bernardi says there is a life pass of the South African Railways which allowed him to travel on any South African Railway line at any time without any cost.

It is made out of 9 carat gold and it is inscribed to Botha.

He says: “It’s unique and it’s the first one I’ve seen in my 33 years as an auctioneer.”

“Two other items are exceptional, are two awards. One being the Order of Good Hope which was awarded to him by President PW Botha. The other award is for Meritorious Service. They are unique because President Mandela banned both of them.”