Leanne Manas receives French Order and remembers Vuyo Mbuli [photos]

Morning Live news anchor Leanne Manas has warmed Mzansi’s hearts with her stunning smile and energetic news reporting for years. After being in the industry for more than a decade, Manas was honoured with the Knight of the French Order at the French embassy in Pretoria on Tuesday 18 May.

Sharing images of the special moment on Twitter, Manas said her former co-host, the late Vuyo Mbuli, would be proud of her achievement.

LEANNE MANAS AWARDED KNIGHT OF THE FRENCH ORDER

Leanne Manas was awarded the Knight of the French Order for her contribution to journalism on 18 May by the French ambassador Aurélien Lechevallie who acted on behalf of the French president, Emmanuel Macron.

“Leanne Manas exemplifies what it means to be a true South African who is at the forefront of news and journalism,” said the French ambassador as per Channel24.

“[South Africans] have placed their trust in her as she anchored some of the most important milestones in this country’s history.”

TAKE A LOOK AT SOME IMAGES HERE

LEANNE MANAS REMEMBERS VUYO MBULI

Vuyo Mbuli and Leanne Manas were both on Morning Live until Mbuli’s death in 2013. The iconic news anchor passed away in May 2013 after he suffered a pulmonary embolism.

Taking to Twitter on Thursday 19 May, Manas took a moment to remember Vuyo Mbuli following her special achievement.

“You would’ve been very proud my friend. Nine years today and I still miss you so much,” wrote Manas on Twitter.

TWEEPS CONGRATULATE LEANNE

Television presenter Bonang Matheba, amongst several other tweeps, congratulated Leanne Manas on the special achievement. Others reminisced about watching Manas and Vuyo Mbuli on screen together.

“So inspiring… You truly deserve this and so much more,” wrote Bonang.

“Honestly the best duo to see the morning before school starts,” wrote one twee.

“We were really blessed as a nation, this tag team understood the assignment to inform the nation and keep us enthralled.”