• Leanne Manas was Tuesday honoured with the Chevalier de l’Ordre national du Mérite (Knight of the French National Order of Merit) on behalf of President Emmanuel Macron.
• The high honour recognises her immense contribution to journalism, media and various important charitable causes.
• The event was held at Sanctuary Mandela in Johannesburg, the former residence of the late president, in memory of the work Leanne Manas had done for causes that were dear to him.

On Tuesday, 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 high honour recognises her immense contribution to journalism, media and various important charitable causes.

It is a recognition of her extraordinary talent and resilience on TV screens as she continues to inform South Africans through her daily programme Morning Live, which she has been hosting on South Africa’s public broadcaster SABC for almost two decades.

Leanne Manas’ passion for news and truth is evident. When fake news is becoming more prevalent, and journalists who cover important stories in conflict-torn countries lose their lives, it is vital to our vibrant democracies. As such, the government and people of France want to recognise her contributions to journalism and beyond.

The event was held at Sanctuary Mandela in Johannesburg, the former residence of the late president, in memory of this extraordinary figure and the work Leanne Manas had done for causes that were dear to him.

“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.

“A BIG congratulations to our very own Leanne Manas,” read the caption.

SABC’s political editor, Mzwandile Mbeje, also dedicated a special message to his “colleague, sister and friend”.

SEE ALL THE TWEETS HERE:

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), journalist Michelle Constant (2021) and philanthropist Carolyn Steyn (2022).