Best News & Entertainment '24

Maryn Blignaut

Education: BA in Communication Science, University of South Africa (2012–2016), AFP Digital Investigation Techniques (GNI, 2023), Google News Initiative training (2024), Thomson Reuters Foundation AI Adoption Training and WAN-IFRA Women in News Programme (2025)

Experience: Briefly News (2017-present)

Awards: - Best Appealing Storytelling: Highest Average Pageviews, 2023 by Briefly News - Awarded the 2023 Gender Mainstreaming Award (Empowerment of Women in the Community) as part of the Briefly News team

Maryn Blignaut is the Editor-in-Chief at Briefly News, with nine years of experience in digital journalism. She holds a BA in Communication Science from the University of South Africa (2016) and specialises in digital storytelling and feature writing. She has completed advanced professional training in media and innovation, including the AFP Digital Investigation Techniques course, multiple Google News Initiative programmes, Thomson Reuters AI Adoption Training, and the WAN-IFRA Women in News leadership programme. For enquiries, contact maryn.blignaut@briefly.co.za

1172 articles published since 30 Oct 2017

Author's articles

Adorable video shows toddler meeting his newborn baby brother in hospital, he laughs happily

Adorable video shows toddler meeting his newborn baby brother in hospital, he laughs happily

US

4 years ago

I should have never been born - Lady with health condition sues doctor who delivered her as baby

I should have never been born - Lady with health condition sues doctor who delivered her as baby

US

4 years ago

I can't believe it; Man recovering from surgery says as he wins R16m after receiving get-well lottery tickets

I can't believe it; Man recovering from surgery says as he wins R16m after receiving get-well lottery tickets

US

4 years ago

Fake lawyer of 10 years busted after he couldn't say his university in court, video stirs reactions

Fake lawyer of 10 years busted after he couldn't say his university in court, video stirs reactions

Africa

4 years ago

Mum of 2 Who Fought Covid Complications for 8 Months Finally Leaves Hospital

Mum of 2 Who Fought Covid Complications for 8 Months Finally Leaves Hospital

US

4 years ago

Woman dating 2 men at the same time causes them to fight over paternity of new baby; speaks in video

Woman dating 2 men at the same time causes them to fight over paternity of new baby; speaks in video

Africa

4 years ago

Gateman crashes boss' car while taking it for a spin in his absence, video from the incident stirs reactions

Gateman crashes boss' car while taking it for a spin in his absence, video from the incident stirs reactions

Africa

4 years ago

A gateman has landed in trouble after going beyond his job description. The gateman crashed his boss' car badly while taking it out for a spin in his absence.

My wife apologizes even when she is not wrong; Husband of mother of 3 who bagged first-class

My wife apologizes even when she is not wrong; Husband of mother of 3 who bagged first-class

Africa

4 years ago

The husband of a smart mother of 3 who recently graduated from the University of Ilorin with a first-class degree has stated that her feat doesn't surprise him.

Primary pupils lay blocks to build single room for their late schoolmate's mother

Primary pupils lay blocks to build single room for their late schoolmate's mother

Africa

4 years ago

Afi Antonio Foundation was helping a child named Prosper Datsomor before his untimely demise. The young man's colleagues have build a house for his mother.

From owning only 3 goats to reaching boss levels in farming, meet Emmanuel Mudau

From owning only 3 goats to reaching boss levels in farming, meet Emmanuel Mudau

People

4 years ago

Having worked as a furniture shop sales consultant and earning on a commission basis, Mudau knew he had to do something big with his life. He started farming.

Young man makes sculpture of Rihanna in viral video, fans disagree, say it doesn't look like her

Young man makes sculpture of Rihanna in viral video, fans disagree, say it doesn't look like her

Africa

4 years ago

The video of a man trying to work on the sculpture of Rihanna has got people's reactions. They said the art does not in a any way look like the American star.

The Rock Celebrates Ex-Wife Dany Garcia on Her Birthday: "My Friend"

The Rock Celebrates Ex-Wife Dany Garcia on Her Birthday: "My Friend"

US

4 years ago

The Rock took to social media and showered his ex-wife Garcia with praises as he celebrated her birthday. The star noted Garcia is an inspiration to many people

Mixed reactions as man, 29, and his 28-year-old bride marry 'untouched'

Mixed reactions as man, 29, and his 28-year-old bride marry 'untouched'

Africa

4 years ago

A young happy couple who recently wedded have become internet sensation after it was revealed they wedded as virgins. The lovebirds are in their late twenties.

Talented women use dung and coloured clays to beautify huts, photos of its fine interior and look wow many

Talented women use dung and coloured clays to beautify huts, photos of its fine interior and look wow many

Africa

4 years ago

Beautiful photos of well decorated huts have caused quite a stir on social media. It is said that the hut was designed by women using dung and coloured clays.

My friends used to laugh at me: Man with world's longest nose speaks in viral video, stirs reactions

My friends used to laugh at me: Man with world's longest nose speaks in viral video, stirs reactions

Europe

4 years ago

A man who currently holds the world's longest nose record has spoken about his life in a video interview. The Turk said that many often stare at him in public.

Maryn Blignaut