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

Kim Kardashian, Pete Davidson Fuel Dating Rumours after Celebrating Comedian’s Birthday in Matching Pajamas

Kim Kardashian, Pete Davidson Fuel Dating Rumours after Celebrating Comedian’s Birthday in Matching Pajamas

US

4 years ago

Surgeon Who Spent Months Away from Family During Pandemic Dies of Covid19

Surgeon Who Spent Months Away from Family During Pandemic Dies of Covid19

Europe

4 years ago

Haaaaaa, mama Imade: Davido screams as he receives R38k transfer from 1st baby mama Sophia

Haaaaaa, mama Imade: Davido screams as he receives R38k transfer from 1st baby mama Sophia

Africa

4 years ago

We had strong connection: 2 friends' kids fall in love, marry each other, beautiful photos drop

We had strong connection: 2 friends' kids fall in love, marry each other, beautiful photos drop

US

4 years ago

Young Man Accidentally Invited to Dinner by Grandma via Text 5 Years Ago Visits Her Yearly

Young Man Accidentally Invited to Dinner by Grandma via Text 5 Years Ago Visits Her Yearly

US

4 years ago

Man shares video of Rolls Royce Phantom worth R7m being used as taxi in Dubai, causes stir online

Man shares video of Rolls Royce Phantom worth R7m being used as taxi in Dubai, causes stir online

World

4 years ago

Keyshia Cole Mourns Adoptive Dad’s Death From Covid19 Months after Mum’s Passing: “Greatest Example of Love”

Keyshia Cole Mourns Adoptive Dad’s Death From Covid19 Months after Mum’s Passing: “Greatest Example of Love”

US

4 years ago

Keyshia Cole heaped praise on her late adoptive dad noting he taught her and her siblings a lot. She said he was married to her mother Yvonne Cole for 51 years.

Couple goals: Man and his wife graduate from UDS; poses with her in cute photo

Couple goals: Man and his wife graduate from UDS; poses with her in cute photo

Africa

4 years ago

A happy couple, Firdaws and Reesha, graduated during the 22nd Congregation Ceremony of the University for Development Studies (UDS) on November 6. Read more.

Young bride removes her gele, throws it away as she dances hard in viral video, husband looks surprised

Young bride removes her gele, throws it away as she dances hard in viral video, husband looks surprised

Africa

4 years ago

The video of a bride working hard to show off her dance moves has amazed people on social media. She never minded even her husband who stood aside to watch.

Actor George Clooney Says He Didn't Want Wife, Kids Before Meeting Love of His Life Amal

Actor George Clooney Says He Didn't Want Wife, Kids Before Meeting Love of His Life Amal

US

4 years ago

George Clooney revealed in a recent interview that he did not want to get married or kids. The actor said that he changed his perspective after meeting Amal.

Drop the Album: Rihanna's Fans Hilariously Ask Singer to Return to Music During Club Appearance

Drop the Album: Rihanna's Fans Hilariously Ask Singer to Return to Music During Club Appearance

US

4 years ago

Rihanna was impressed when she saw a banner with words "Drop the album" appearing on a big screen during her recent visit to a nightclub. Fans were cheeky.

Husband Celebrates Kind Wife Who Paid His Fare During Their First Meeting as They Mark 2nd Anniversary

Husband Celebrates Kind Wife Who Paid His Fare During Their First Meeting as They Mark 2nd Anniversary

Africa

4 years ago

Daniel said that after she paid for his cab fare, he could not let her disappear forever and knew she was the one. The two have been together for five years.

I wasn't born this way; Young lady with 'short legs' opens up in video, says men are not proud of her

I wasn't born this way; Young lady with 'short legs' opens up in video, says men are not proud of her

Africa

4 years ago

Chiwetalu Charity is a 24-year-old Nigerian lady who now has 'short legs' but wasn't born that way. The lady inspite of her situation is positive about life.

Rich woman transfers her house, gold & assets of R2m to man who served her for 25 years, ignores relatives

Rich woman transfers her house, gold & assets of R2m to man who served her for 25 years, ignores relatives

Asia

4 years ago

A poor man has now become a millionaire after a rich woman named Minati Patnaik transferred her house, gold ornaments and assets worth N55.5 million to him.

I cried all the way; Man who has been living in the woods with no electricity or running water for 40 years

I cried all the way; Man who has been living in the woods with no electricity or running water for 40 years

Europe

4 years ago

A 74-year-old man Ken Smith has now lived in the woods for the past 40 years with no electricity and running water. He shares an insight into his daily living.

Maryn Blignaut