Former South African deputy president Jacob Zuma has been named Newsmaker of the Year for 2005 by the National Press Club, Pretoria, it announced on Wednesday.

Chairman Ben Rootman said that the award was made on the grounds of impact, news value and media attention, both print and electronic.

"The decision for 2005 was not a difficult one for the club's executive committee, as by far the majority of nominations received were for Mr. Zuma. The choice was obvious," he said.

Zuma had dominated national and international news headlines as he was named in the corruption trial of his former financial adviser Schabir Shaik, axed as deputy president, charged with corruption himself, then accused of rape.

"The unfolding of these legal proceedings this year will no doubt be equally newsworthy," said Rootman.

Previous recipients include President Thabo Mbeki and former presidents Nelson Mandela and FW de Klerk, Oscar-winning actress Charlize Theron and AIDS activist Zachie Achmat.

Source: Xinhua