Publication: Sunday Times Issued: Date: 2006-09-16 Reporter: Sapa

'Leave Me Alone', Zuma asks Media

 

Publication 

Sunday Times

Date

2006-09-16

Reporter

 Sapa

Web Link

www.sundaytimes.co.za

 

ANC deputy president Jacob Zuma received the National Press Club's Newsmaker of Year award last night saying the only thing he wanted was to be left alone by the media.

"I'm sure you would say it is the price one pays for being a public figure," Zuma said as he was presented with the annual award at a function in Pretoria.

"... partly I agree, but I think the price should be considered, (one) can't overpay."

Press Club chairman Patrick Hlahla said the award was not given to Zuma on merit but because he dominated news with both the Schabir Shaik verdict and his public sacking by President Thabo Mbeki from his post as deputy president of the country.

"Mr Zuma dominated not only the front pages of newspapers but also the headlines on television and radio, he simply generated the most news," Hlahla said.

Zuma retaliated by saying that he has learned that merely the name "Zuma" on front pages sold newspapers.

"I have been in the news a lot but I will do anything to get you guys to leave me alone," he told the gathered journalists.

Zuma told the journalists that they played an important role in society and that they should independently scrutinise the forces shaping society.

"If this responsibility is not carried out correctly it can undermine our democracy and its institutions as well as our efforts at nation building."

He again criticised the media for their coverage of his rape trial earlier in the year.

"I do agree with the assertion that public figures warrant needs for media scrutiny, however this must occur in an environment that recognises that even public figures have the right to be treated fairly, with decency and dignity," he said.

He later interacted cordially with journalists, even giving in to requests to sing his trademark song "Umshini Wami".

The National Press Club has named Newsmakers of the Year for more than twenty years and previous recipients included Presidents Thabo Mbeki, Nelson Mandela and FW De Klerk as well as people such as Zachie Achmat of the Treatment Action Campaign, South African actress Charlize Theron and the late national cricket captain, Hansie Cronje.

With acknowledgements to Sapa and Sunday Times.