South African veteran news anchor Leanne Manas was honoured with the Knight of the French National Order of Merit (Chevalier de l’Ordre national du Mérite) for her stellar work in journalism.
Leanne Manas accepts French National Order of Merit
The event was held at Sanctuary Mandela, in Johannesburg, on Wednesday, where Manas’ long-serving tenure at SABC was recognised by France’s ambassador to South Africa, Aurélien Lechevallier, on behalf of President Emmanuel Macron.
“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,” Lechevallier wrote in a statement.
Yesterday, @LeanneManas has been awarded by the French National Order of Merit for her contribution for media and journalism and her humanitarian work with refugees. 🎊🛡️
— Aurélien Lechevallier (@lechevallierAS) May 18, 2022
Congratulations! @MorningLiveSABC@NelsonMandela pic.twitter.com/IS49Oid9E2
Manas joined the late Vuyo Mbuli on Morning Live in 2004, and the pair spearheaded one of the most popular breakfast news shows for nine years.
Their streak was abruptly halted when on this day in 2013, Mbuli lost his life to pulmonary embolism.
Reflecting on her French National Order of Merit, Manas recognised Mbuli as a crucial cog in the decade of dedication she has given to her work in journalism.
“You would’ve been very proud my friend. [Nine] years today and I still miss you so much,” she wrote in a tweet.
You would’ve been very proud my friend. 9 years today and I still miss you so much 🙏🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/AY08qlTtl5
— Leanne Manas (@LeanneManas) May 19, 2022
