Leanne Manas Breaks Silence on Sabc Resignation Rumours and Fake TikTok Accounts

• Leanne Manas took to Facebook on 18 October 2026 to shut down viral claims that she had resigned from the SABC
• The Morning Live anchor confirmed she was simply on a week's holiday and warned fans that every TikTok account in her name is fake
• SABC News also issued an official statement urging the public not to share unverified information about the veteran broadcaster

Leanne Manas, the veteran anchor of SABC's flagship breakfast show Morning Live, has set the record straight after fake news about her resignation spread rapidly across social media.

The broadcaster addressed the rumours directly on her official Facebook page on Sunday, 18 October 2026, writing:

"I have absolutely NOT resigned from the SABC! I'm very much still part of the public broadcaster and will be back on your screens tomorrow after a beautiful week off!"

The false claims reportedly originated from a TikTok account impersonating Manas, which alleged she had been forced to resign from the morning show she has anchored since 2004. The story gained enough traction to prompt both Manas and the SABC to respond publicly.

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SABC and Manas push back on fake accounts

SABC News issued its own warning on the same day, confirming that reports of Manas's alleged resignation were false and calling on the public to stop spreading unverified information and rely only on credible sources.

Manas also used her post to flag a wider problem. She stressed that she has never created a TikTok account and that any profile on the platform using her name or likeness is entirely fabricated. This is not the first time her identity has been misused online. She has previously spoken out about fake videos and fraudulent advertisements using her image to promote scam investment schemes and weight-loss products across Meta, YouTube, and TikTok.

The 51-year-old is one of South Africa's most recognisable media personalities, having co-anchored Morning Live for years. Beyond the studio, she serves as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador and was appointed a Knight of France's National Order of Merit in 2023 for her contributions to media and humanitarian work.

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She closed her post on a lighter note, teasing holiday photos from her getaway and promising to be back on air the following morning.

See her original post below:

South Africans rally behind the presenter

Fans flooded the comments section on her Facebook page with relief and support:

@Cherry-Ann Lamberti:

"Sharp sharp!! Almost went through depression 🤣 ♥️♥️"

@Jaqui Jaxton:

"And here I even went to Google to see if you retired, lol. Great news."

@Kyle Parkies:

"For a second, I thought that I would never see you on TV while we are getting ready for the day. TikTok is a skelem [crook]."

@Lucas Yezo:

"Sharp sharp 👍👍👍.. Lunatics will always seek attention.. Keep your space and your talent alive and hot 🔥 so that these lunatics can run away. 🇿🇦🇿🇦🙏🙏🙏"

@Claudell Rose:

"Shew we were in a panic 😖, thank goodness we will see your beautiful face on screen 🌹✌️"

More on South African resignations and public figures

• Briefly News recently reported that Joe Sebanyoni resigned from all taxi industry leadership positions after appearing before the Madlanga Commission.
• South Africans called for General Shadrack Sibiya to resign as disciplinary proceedings against the suspended police officer got underway.
• Kenyan football fans called for Benni McCarthy to resign after Harambee Stars' 1-0 defeat to Guinea.

Source: Briefly News