Best News & Entertainment '24

Bongiwe Mati

Education: BA Honours, Linguistics, Communication, Women & Gender Studies, University of the Western Cape (2021), BA Language & Communication Linguistics, Communication, Women & Gender Studies, University of the Western Cape (2005).

Experience: Freelancer at UWC campus newspaper (2005), Sales Executive at Leadership Magazine (2007-2009), Editorial Assistant and writer for BONA magazine (2023-2024), Briefly News (2024 -Present)

Bongiwe Mati is a Human Interest reporter at Briefly News, focusing on social commentary, community stories, viral human-interest features, and public discourse. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree from the University of the Western Cape. Bongiwe began her editorial career in campus media before contributing across print and digital platforms at BONA Magazine, where she covered current news and societal trends. She specialises in reporting on local community accounts, social media discourse, and viral South African events. Contact: bongiwe.mati@briefly.co.za

3271 articles published since 08 Aug 2024

Author's articles

"A promise kept": Cyril Ramaphosa fulfils his video game promise to Eastern Cape teenager, SA moved

"A promise kept": Cyril Ramaphosa fulfils his video game promise to Eastern Cape teenager, SA moved

People

3 months ago

"That's a classic genuine leather": Shopper stunned by R1.3K pump from Country Road, SA divided

"That's a classic genuine leather": Shopper stunned by R1.3K pump from Country Road, SA divided

People

3 months ago

Documents needed to contest a flagged or blocked identity document in South Africa

Documents needed to contest a flagged or blocked identity document in South Africa

People

3 months ago

Saudi Arabia tightens entry rules: 14 countries can no longer access visa on arrival

Saudi Arabia tightens entry rules: 14 countries can no longer access visa on arrival

People

3 months ago

America publishes a list of countries whose citizens are eligible for a visa-free travel programme

America publishes a list of countries whose citizens are eligible for a visa-free travel programme

People

3 months ago

"A few moments later": Throwback of the Viljoens' lavish Pretoria mansion leaves Mzansi in debate

"A few moments later": Throwback of the Viljoens' lavish Pretoria mansion leaves Mzansi in debate

People

3 months ago

"Best post I’ve seen for the day": Skit about Mel and Peet's money troubles has Mzansi in stitches

"Best post I’ve seen for the day": Skit about Mel and Peet's money troubles has Mzansi in stitches

People

3 months ago

South African comedian @unwokepope delivers a hilarious skit mocking Mel Viljoen's court controversy, leaving Mzansi in stitches over her R50 scandal.

"This boy is an angel": Little boy melts hearts singing ‘Maqondana’ in viral video, SA moved

"This boy is an angel": Little boy melts hearts singing ‘Maqondana’ in viral video, SA moved

People

3 months ago

A young boy named Kenan, from KwaZulu-Natal, astounds South Africans with his confident Maskandi rendition, sparking offers of support and admiration online.

International manhunt launched for Zimbabwean man after family found dead in London

International manhunt launched for Zimbabwean man after family found dead in London

People

3 months ago

International manhunt for Ndodana Tshuma, sought after the discovery of his wife and two daughters’ bodies in their £1.3 million Bedfordshire home.

"Come to KZN to apologise": Nigerian man who mocked Zulus apologises to South Africans, SA aggrieved

"Come to KZN to apologise": Nigerian man who mocked Zulus apologises to South Africans, SA aggrieved

People

3 months ago

Nigerian CEO of 4k_Dynasty faces backlash for mocking Zulu culture in a viral video. His apology fails to calm anger, as many demand deportation amid protests.

"We pray for them": Ugandan repatriates receive warm welcome at the airport following SA unrest

"We pray for them": Ugandan repatriates receive warm welcome at the airport following SA unrest

People

3 months ago

Uganda's government completed a voluntary evacuation, repatriating 730 nationals from South Africa. The final flight landed on 6 July 2026, amid mixed reactions.

"Most waiters don’t get a salary": SA tipping culture debate heats up after woman's video goes viral

"Most waiters don’t get a salary": SA tipping culture debate heats up after woman's video goes viral

People

3 months ago

A viral video sparks a fierce debate on South Africa's tipping culture, questioning if tips are mandatory or voluntary, as opinions divide diners and waiters.

"Sibiya won't like this": Man paints his home wall with the SA flag and General Mkhwanazi, SA teases

"Sibiya won't like this": Man paints his home wall with the SA flag and General Mkhwanazi, SA teases

People

3 months ago

A man’s mural of LT General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, draped in the national flag, celebrates his anti-corruption stance with the phrase 'Truth Cannot Be Silenced.

"Lucky boy": Eastern Cape boy's video of his first meeting with Ramaphosa resurfaces, SA moved

"Lucky boy": Eastern Cape boy's video of his first meeting with Ramaphosa resurfaces, SA moved

People

3 months ago

A viral video of Eastern Cape boy Lundi greeting President Ramaphosa resurfaces, highlighting their charming bond as he boldly asks for a video game at age

"None of this is okay": Joburg CBD informal traders flee with their stock in viral clip, SA outraged

"None of this is okay": Joburg CBD informal traders flee with their stock in viral clip, SA outraged

People

3 months ago

Viral video of Joburg CBD traders fleeing with goods ignites debate on foreign nationals and illegal immigration, revealing divided opinions among South Africans.

Bongiwe Mati