Nelson Mandela Named Newsmaker of 2013 by South African Organization

Former South African President Nelson Mandela reacts at the Mandela foundation, in Johannesburg, South Africa, during a meeting with a group of American and South African students, in a June 2009 file photo. (AP Photo/Theana Calitz-Bilt, Pool, File)

Nelson Mandela has been named Newsmaker of the Year for 2013, the National Press Club announced.

“Nelson Mandela’s death riveted the attention of the world for 10 days,” chairperson Jos Charle said in a statement.

“It consumed South Africans, and much of the world, as the country pulled out all stops to bury the father of the South African nation with military precision and ancient Xhosa customs.”

Mandela died in Johannesburg on December 5 at age 95.

He was buried in Qunu on December 15. 

Past recipients of the prize include South Africa President Jacob Zuma; another former president, FW de Klerk, who was president immediately prior to Mandela; and actress Charlize Theron.

Mandela has also been a past recipient.