ACCORDING TO THE HIGH COMMISSIONER SPEAKING FROM THE SOUTH AFRICAN EMBASSY, MANDELA INSISTED ON AUTOGRAPHING EACH SHOE "FOR HOW ELSE WILL EVERYONE KNOW THEY ARE MINE?". THE PRESIDENT WAS MOST INTRIGUED TO BE ASKED FOR SUCH AN UNUSUAL REQUEST AND HOPES THAT HIS SHOES WILL MAKE A MAJOR CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS SUCH A WORTHWHILE CAUSE. HE IS DELIGHTED THAT HALF THE PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE WILL BE GIVEN TO THE NELSON MANDELA CHILDREN'S FUND TO HELP ALLEVIATE THE SUFFFERING OF CHILDREN IN SOUTH AFRICA.