HAVANA, Aug 14, 2007 (AFP) - There were fireworks and music, but again no Fidel Castro on Monday, as Cubans held public celebrations marking the 81st birthday of their still-absent and ailing leader.

A brief fireworks display in Havana highlighted Castro's birthday, as the ailing president stayed out of public view for the second consecutive year following his gastrointestinal surgery in July 2006.

The Cuban leader ceded the reins of government to his brother and defense chief Raul Castro after his surgery, and has not been seen in public since.

HAVANA, Aug 13, 2007 (AFP) - A brief fireworks display marked subdued public celebrations Monday for Cuban leader Fidel Castro's 81st birthday as the ailing president stayed out of public view.

It was the second birthday in a row that Castro spent in seclusion since he underwent gastrointestinal surgery on July 27, 2006, and ceded the reins of government to his brother and defense chief Raul four days later.

HAVANA, Aug 13, 2007 (AFP) - President Fidel Castro turns 81 on Monday with few public celebrations expected on the island, as Cuba's Communist leader continues his slow recovery from intestinal surgery.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, who claims to be Castro's political heir, hinted a week ago that he would 'soon' visit his friend and may be in Havana on Monday, though there has been no official announcement.

HAVANA, Aug 12, 2007 (AFP) - Cubans expect a low-key, 81st birthday bash Monday for President Fidel Castro as he continues recovering from an operation a year ago, but a visit by friend Hugo Chavez could be in the cards.

The Venezuelan president, who claims to be Castro's political heir, hinted as much a week ago when he said he would 'soon' visit his friend and ally.

Chavez was at Castro's bedside when he turned 80 last year and 'provisionally' ceded power to his brother, Raul, four days after undergoing stomach surgery.

JOHANNESBURG, July 24, 2007 (AFP) - 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.