The Chevalier de l’Ordre national du Mérite (Knight of the National Order of Merit Award) was handed over to Manas by the H.E. Mr Aurélien Lechevallier Ambassador of France to South Africa on behalf of President Emmanuel Macron at the Sanctuary Mandela, Houghton Estate Johannesburg.
The honour was given to Manas for her immense contribution to journalism, media and various charitable causes.
The #SABC2 family would like to recognise one of its own for her stellar achievement.@LeanneManas has been honoured with the Knight of the French National Order Merit in recognition of her outstanding contribution to journalism as one of the leading industry voices.
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— SABC_2 (@SABC_2) May 18, 2022
The award is further in recognition of her resilience on TV screens as she continues to inform South Africans through Morning Live, which she has been hosting for almost two decades.
"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 Lechevallier in a statement.
Philanthropist and founder of 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day is the only other South African to receive this prestigious award.
#5Newz @LeanneManas was bestowed with a National Order of Merit for her contribution to journalism in South Africa ����. You have made us all proud, congratulations! ���� pic.twitter.com/OhKZl9bZbW
— 5FM (@5FM) May 19, 2022
