On August 1, renowned news anchor Leanne Manas will officially celebrate 20 years on SABC’s “Morning Live”.
The broadcaster joined the long-running news show in 2004, succeeding Michelle Garforth-Venter, the former “Top Billing” face and presenter.
Manas joined Vuyo Mbuli, who passed away in 2013. The two news anchors became part of South African society, with many homes starting their mornings by watching “Morning Live”.
Even after Mbuli’s death, the 45-year-old remained a vital component of the SABC’s flagship news show, establishing herself as a broadcasting legend.
On X, formerly known as Twitter, many took time off to congratulate Manas on hitting the 20-year milestone. In response to one user, Manas stated that the 20-year road “hasn’t been easy, but it has been a privilege and honour.”
It certainly hasn’t been easy but it has been a privilege and honour https://t.co/Qvw5cOWiGQ
— Leanne Manas (@LeanneManas) August 1, 2024
Manas is not just an experienced broadcaster, businesswoman, and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador; she is also the GLAMOUR Women of the Year 2023 Awards ICON Award Winner.
Manas got the Knight of the French National Order Merit Award in 2022 for being a prominent journalistic voice.
During the last elections, Manas reflected on her first experience covering elections at the National Results Operations Centre. She was eager for the assignment, despite feeling nervous when she saw the SABC election set, which had a large desk.
“The nerves got the better of me, but as I walked onto that set, I was welcomed by the friendliest SABC crew who embraced me from the moment I arrived. Sitting next to the formidable Vuyo Mbuli, I realised I was going to be okay.
“In fact, I was better than okay — I was on top of the world. Something snapped inside of me that day, and the passion for what I do grew so strong that I knew this was what I wanted my career to be for as long as I possibly could.”
