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

3249 articles published since 08 Aug 2024

Author's articles

"You're so brave": SA woman lists unexpected culture shocks after marrying a Nigerian man, SA amused

"You're so brave": SA woman lists unexpected culture shocks after marrying a Nigerian man, SA amused

People

14 days ago

Cape Town Castle and a KZN hotel top list of SA’s most haunted places

Cape Town Castle and a KZN hotel top list of SA’s most haunted places

People

14 days ago

"The Hilux is a goat": Ford Ranger vs Toyota Hilux GR vs Land Cruiser: Off-road showdown goes viral

"The Hilux is a goat": Ford Ranger vs Toyota Hilux GR vs Land Cruiser: Off-road showdown goes viral

People

14 days ago

"She's been waiting for this": Woman delivers high-energy Zulu dance at Heritage Day event, SA moved

"She's been waiting for this": Woman delivers high-energy Zulu dance at Heritage Day event, SA moved

People

15 days ago

"You're appreciated": Robotic exoskeleton helps exhausted mom in historic Table Mountain rescue

"You're appreciated": Robotic exoskeleton helps exhausted mom in historic Table Mountain rescue

People

15 days ago

"The cleanest, proudest town in SA": Viral video offers a peek into daily service delivery in Orania

"The cleanest, proudest town in SA": Viral video offers a peek into daily service delivery in Orania

People

15 days ago

"So iconic": Grade 12 learner makes unique matric dance statement in Xhosa traditional regalia

"So iconic": Grade 12 learner makes unique matric dance statement in Xhosa traditional regalia

People

15 days ago

Cape Town matriculant @staceythumamina made a memorable matric dance entrance in Xhosa traditional regalia, cheered by neighbours and praised on TikTok.

"I don't regret buying them": Content creator answers questions about PEP ceramic cookware, SA wowed

"I don't regret buying them": Content creator answers questions about PEP ceramic cookware, SA wowed

People

15 days ago

A South African creator reviews PEP Home’s viral ceramic pots, confirming they’re non-stick, oven-safe and hob-compatible, with key care tips and shopper reactions.

"Sisi, you're opening up old wounds": Courier guy Mfundo remembered on death anniversary, SA moved

"Sisi, you're opening up old wounds": Courier guy Mfundo remembered on death anniversary, SA moved

People

15 days ago

Viral TikTok tribute shows Mfundo and toddler Pey dancing, playing and sharing meals as families remember him a year after his murder, with justice elusive.

"Could only be in Cape Town": Mzansi stunned by narrow two-story township house

"Could only be in Cape Town": Mzansi stunned by narrow two-story township house

People

15 days ago

An unusually narrow, two-storey house in Mfuleni, Cape Town, went viral on TikTok, with its outdoor stairs and elevated porch sparking debate among viewers online.

"Bring back Salt & Vinegar Lay's": Coolstorybru breaks down SA’s most-missed discontinued snacks

"Bring back Salt & Vinegar Lay's": Coolstorybru breaks down SA’s most-missed discontinued snacks

People

16 days ago

Coolstorybru’s TikTok video revisits South Africa’s most-missed discontinued snacks, from Cadbury Tempo to Lay’s Salt & Vinegar, as viewers share favourites.

"Welcome to the land of peace": Africa's tallest man receives a warm welcome in Lesotho, SA moved

"Welcome to the land of peace": Africa's tallest man receives a warm welcome in Lesotho, SA moved

People

16 days ago

Bradley Marongo, Kenya’s tallest man, arrived in Lesotho to traditional dancers and a warm welcome, as social media viewers shared jokes and heartfelt messages.

"What a beautiful wedding": Couple celebrates getting married at Home Affairs on an R10k budget

"What a beautiful wedding": Couple celebrates getting married at Home Affairs on an R10k budget

Family and Relationships

16 days ago

A South African couple planned a R10,000 Home Affairs wedding, outfits included. Their debt-free choice resonated with viewers who wished they had spent less.

"May your pockets never run dry": Woman steps up to offer free driving lessons for under-21s

"May your pockets never run dry": Woman steps up to offer free driving lessons for under-21s

People

17 days ago

Cape Town TikToker Thabie offers free driving lessons to under-21s, using her own car and fuel to empower young South Africans and earn praise across Mzansi.

Shopper’s rainy-day kind deed for Checkers Sixty60 drive goes viral

Shopper’s rainy-day kind deed for Checkers Sixty60 drive goes viral

People

17 days ago

A South African resident warmed a drenched Checkers Sixty60 delivery driver with hot chocolate and biscuits, prompting widespread praise for a thoughtful act.

Bongiwe Mati