Cape Town – South African news anchor Leanne Manas was on Tuesday honoured with the Knight of the French National Order of Merit for her outstanding contribution to journalism, media, and a variety of important charitable causes.
According to Channel24, the honour was bestowed on Manas by Ambassador of France to South Africa, H.E. Mr Aurélien Lechevallier on behalf of France President Emmanuel Macron at the Sanctuary Mandela in Johannesburg, the late president’s former residence.
Manas has been hosting South African Broadcasting corporation (SABC) daily programme Morning Live for almost 20 years.
ALSO READ: Seasoned radio broadcaster Spitch Nzawumbi rejoins Umhlobo Wenene FM
“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,” the report quoted a statement by French Ambassador Aurélien Lechevallier.
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. ??️
Congratulations! @MorningLiveSABC@NelsonMandela pic.twitter.com/IS49Oid9E2— Aurélien Lechevallier (@lechevallierAS) May 18, 2022
The French National Order of Merit has been in existence since 1963 and recognises services and contributions rendered to France, according to SABC.
Aspen CEO, Stephen Saad, and Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund CEO, Sibongile Mkhabela are also recent recipients of the Merit.
Manas was congratulated by South Africans.
Take a look at some of the congratulatory messages below:
Warmest congratulations to @LeanneManas on being honoured as a Knight of the French National Order of Merit for her immense contribution to journalism, media and charitable causes. We look forward to many more informative and inspirational mornings with you and your team. pic.twitter.com/oWBgIcWhtp
— Cyril Ramaphosa ?? (@CyrilRamaphosa) May 19, 2022
Congratulations to @LeanneManas – Chevalier de l’Ordre national du Mérite – Award presented to her by the French Govt. Well deserved. @FranceJoburg @FrenchEmbassyZA pic.twitter.com/MkvHCWKVym
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) May 17, 2022
Congratulations @LeanneManas!! So inspiring…. You truly deserve this and so much more!! ❤️?????
— Bonang Matheba ? (@Bonang) May 19, 2022
Congrats Leanna. This is amazing. Thank you for your excellence
— Mpho Pholo (@37mph) May 20, 2022
Follow African Insider on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
Picture: Facebook/ Leanne Manas
Compiled by Sinothando Siyolo
