July 25, 2007	Wednesday	Rajab 09, 1428

JOHANNESBURG: Former South African president Nelson Mandela on Tuesday threw a massive children's party in Johannesburg, wrapping up week long celebrations of his 89th birthday.

The Nobel peace prize winner was swamped by presents and messages from children and youth who sang happy birthday to the former anti-apartheid leader, known fondly by his clan name Madiba.

Children from a special needs school thanked Mandela for his support while a colourful montage made by children from across the continent was presented to him.

However, while the younger children played games and enjoyed jumping castles, cake and swings, a group of youth were confronted with more serious issues as they held a Children's Parliament, debating issues around the country's new Children's Bill.

The youth members of the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund, together with fund trustees — including Mandela's wife Graca Machel — and members of the public called for certain aspects of the bill to be changed.

The Children's Bill, passed in June, gives children as young as 12 the right to receive contraceptives or have an abortion without their parents consent.

Some members of the children's parliament complained that while the bill addressed the physical and sexual needs of children, it did not look at the child holistically.

“Imagine a 12-year-old going to a clinic for contraceptives. As children we think giving us contraceptives is promoting sexual activeness. It is very, very disturbing,” said 16-year-old Lethukuthula Thanjekwayo.

Machel said the concerns of the children had to be taken “back to those who have passed the act,” while other parent's agreed they felt their parental rights had been taken away by the law.—AFP