Veteran Broadcast Journalist Leanne Manas Honoured With The Knight Of The French National Order Merit In Recognition Of Her Outstanding Contribution To Journalism.
Multiple award-winning Broadcast Anchor, MC, Motivational Speaker, Businesswoman and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Leanne Manas is a renowned leader on the South African media circuit, recognised most commonly through her daily programme Morning Live, which airs on SABC 2 from 07:A.M. – 09:00 A.M and has been her home for almost two decades.
From Oprah Winfrey to Nelson Mandela, Leanne has interviewed an impeccable range of public figures, heads of state, thought leaders and local and international celebrities.
She has also been at the forefront of bringing South Africans some of the biggest news stories over the last two decades. Her career has crossed international borders with Leanne broadcasting in the UK, France, UAE, Mauritius, Ghana, Kenya, Gabon, Switzerland, The Netherlands and the United States of America, and her career has reached a formidable feat.
On Tuesday, the Ambassador of France to South Africa, H.E. Mr Aurélien Lechevallier, bestowed upon Ms Leanne Manas the Chevalier de l’Ordre national du Mérite (Knight of the French National Order of Merit) on behalf of President Emmanuel Macron. The French embassy’s honoured stems from Manas’s longstanding service to the journalism and media industry in addition to her philanthropic efforts.
“To bestow this award to someone who has excelled in their field is a privilege of mine. Leanne Manas exemplifies what it means to be a true South African who is at the forefront of news and journalism. South Africans wake up with her daily because they trust the news source. They have placed their trust in her as she has anchored some of the most important milestones in this country’s history,” said Ambassador Aurélien Lechevallier in a statement.
Morning Live congratulated the journalist on Twitter, alongside photos of the special moment.
In a heartfelt tweet, Manas dedicated her award to her late friend and colleague, Vuyo Mbuli
About the French National Order of Merit:
As awarded by the French President, the National Order of Merit recognises services and contributions rendered to France and was created in 1963 by President Charles de Gaulle.
Foreigners who have distinguished themselves by their merits concerning France may be awarded a distinction in the National Order of Merit on the proposal of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and within the limits of specific quotas fixed by decree for three years.
Recent recipients of this prestigious award in South Africa include Aspen CEO Stephen Saad (2019), former youth activist and CEO of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, Sibongile Mkhabela (2020), and journalist Michelle Constant (2021) and philanthropist Carolyn Steyn (2022).
