Multiple award-winning Broadcast Anchor, MC, Motivational Speaker and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Leanne Manas, is a renowned influencer on the South African media circuit. From Oprah Winfrey to Nelson Mandela, she has interviewed an impressive range of public figures, heads of state, thought-leaders and local and international celebrities. She has also been at the forefront of bringing South Africans some of the biggest news stories over the last two decades. Leanne was recently knighted by French President Emmanuel Macron and awarded with the French National Order of Merit for her contribution to media and journalism and her humanitarian work with refugees on the continent and abroad.

In her latest presentation “Leading during Dark Times” – developed with the corporate market in mind – Leanne shares her learnings, garnered from the thousands of interviews she has with innumerable leaders in their fields, on how to overcome challenges, adapt to change and find hope in the most difficult situations. She draws on her experiences of traveling to refugee camps across Africa and the Middle East, where she witnessed the resilience and courage of people who have lost everything. Leanne’s talk is a powerful and moving exploration of what it means to be a leader in today’s world, and the leadership lessons that are found in the unlikeliest of places.

Leanne is instantly recognisable as the face of ‘Morning Live’, a hard-hitting news broadcast that she has hosted since 2004. She has been the face of the vast majority of breaking news events in an ever-changing South Africa .

Her career has crossed international borders with Leanne broadcasting in London, France, Abu Dhabi, Mauritius, Ghana, Nigeria, Mozambique, Kenya, Gabon, Switzerland, The Netherlands and the United States of America. She was recently in France
covering the Rugby World Cup where South Africa were victorious.

The total about-face shift in how media is consumed has been a fascinating part of her journey.

Leanne has graced stages around the world, hosting and speaking at major and widely differing event types. Her confidence, professionalism, passion and ability to captivate an audience has seen her gain a reputation as one of the best in the business.

The high-pressure environment is which she has excelled over the years, has led to her being the recipient of numerous awards, including the ‘SA Style Award’ in the Media category in 2023 and the Charlotte Mannya Maxeke Institute’s “Bring Her Up Award” in the category ‘Excellence in the Social Award for her contribution to Impactful Broadcasting and Journalism in South Africa’.

Leanne is a four-time winner of People Magazine’s “Best South African Female Television Presenter” and three-time winner of You Magazine’s “Best Overall SA TV Presenter”. She is also the recipient of the Sunday Times/Elle “Most Stylish News/Actuality/Continuity Presenter” Award and You Magazine’s “Most Stylish Television Presenter”. In 2019 Leanne received special recognition from the Lebanese Government for her humanitarian work and she was handpicked by the late President,
Nelson Mandela, as one of his esteemed 46664 ambassadors.