High Street the only South African auctioneer to be recognised in 2019 NAA competition JOHANNESBURG, 14 May 2019: High Street Auctions has been named runner up in the global National Auctioneers Association (NAA) Marketing Competition, presented in partnership with USA TODAY. The awards, announced in Kentucky, USA, ahead of the NAA’s convention in New Orleans, are the industry’s gold standard globally and nearly 1 000 entries were received from around the world. High Street came second in the showpiece and most coveted category, Auction Marketing Campaign of the Year, with their Mandela Charity Auction that took place in November 2018, as part of the Global Citizen Mandela 100 celebrations. The company also took first place in the charity auction section of the “Catalogues and Brochures” division. High Street Lead Auctioneer and Director Joff van Reenen, who conducted the auction on behalf of the House of Mandela, said he was “elated” that a benefit auction had been recognised in this manner by a panel of international judges. “It’s incredible that a charity auction has been recognised in this manner in the main category of Auction Marketing Campaign of the Year. “I’m so proud of the team that worked to make the event the success it was, and of those who helped create the entry for the global competition. “For High Street to represent South Africa in this manner, and to do it for such a worthwhile cause as the Mandela legacy, is almost beyond belief.” Dr Maki Mandela, matriarch of the Mandela family and Chairperson of the House of Mandela on whose behalf the auction was conducted, was full of praise for High Street Auctions and Van Reenen in particular. “The level of professionalism and dedication displayed by everyone involved was second to none,” said Dr Mandela. “It’s an international award richly deserved by High Street Auctions and the House of Mandela looks forward to a long association with the company. “My father would have been extremely proud today, and this award goes a long way towards furthering the vision for Tata’s legacy projects going forward for the House of Mandela.” The charity auction formed part of the inaugural Forever Young Ball that will now become an annual event under the auspices of the House of Mandela. US auction house People’s Company won the Auction Marketer of the Year for a campaign around the sale of a South Dakota ranch.