Mandela couple up for award

2005-02-01 21:33

Johannesburg - Former president Nelson Mandela and his wife, Graca Machel, are among the nominees for the 2005 World's Children's Prize for the Rights of the Child (WCPRC).

The announcement was made in Johannesburg on Tuesday by 15-year-old Xola Dubula, a South African child who will form part of an international jury of children to ultimately decide who will get the prestigious prize.

Dubula said the Mandelas were nominated together,

"Machel is being nominated for the WCPRC 2005 for her long and courageous struggle for children's rights, mainly in Mozambique."

The teenager said Machel had fought for the rights of girls to go to school and her goal is to have "as many girls as boys in school".

"Internationally, Graca has worked to help child victims of war and to stop the trafficking of children."

Dubula added Mandela was being nominated for his life-long struggle to free the children of South Africa from apartheid, and the immense support he gives to their rights.

"Mandela continues to help South Africa's children and demands respect for their rights. He not only wants all children to feel loved, he also wants to give them a better future. That's why he also gives children the chance to develop their talents."

The children of the jury have been child soldiers, slaves, street-children, refugees and fighters for children's rights.

They represent all the children of the world who have had similar experiences. Dubula represents children who have HIV/Aids.

Chief executive officer of the Nelson Mandela children's fund, Sibongile Mkhabela, accepted the South African nomination on behalf of the Mandela couple.

The WCPRC consists of two unique awards for outstanding contributions to the rights of the child. Millions of children in 70 countries decide on the winner of the Global Friends Award in a global vote.

The prize of $100 000 will be used by the winners to continue protecting the rights of the child.

- SAPA