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

Twins,14, quit school to learn mechanical work at a fitting shop

Twins,14, quit school to learn mechanical work at a fitting shop

World

4 years ago

Mom of 4 quits job to sell stuff she found in dustbins, now makes R14k in a week

Mom of 4 quits job to sell stuff she found in dustbins, now makes R14k in a week

World

4 years ago

Hilarious video shows groom mistaking another man for his wife at wedding

Hilarious video shows groom mistaking another man for his wife at wedding

World

4 years ago

Talented man builds artificial hand for brother after he lost 2 fingers

Talented man builds artificial hand for brother after he lost 2 fingers

World

4 years ago

Michael Jordan’s used boxer shorts selling for R7.2k at auction

Michael Jordan’s used boxer shorts selling for R7.2k at auction

World

4 years ago

Exclusive: Mentally ill Limpopo man drops some wisdom in viral video

Exclusive: Mentally ill Limpopo man drops some wisdom in viral video

People

4 years ago

Mom of 6 daughters finally has a son, gives birth at bus station

Mom of 6 daughters finally has a son, gives birth at bus station

World

4 years ago

A woman who gave birth to her first male child at a bus park stirred mixed reactions from Nigerians. While some rejoiced, others said she needs to stop birthing

Man takes crate challenge to another level with bicycle, video goes viral

Man takes crate challenge to another level with bicycle, video goes viral

World

4 years ago

A man has taken the crate challenge to the next level. In a video making the round online, the man did his with a bicycle but it took a rather bad turn for him.

Newlywed couple sends R3.4k invoice to guests who failed to show up to wedding

Newlywed couple sends R3.4k invoice to guests who failed to show up to wedding

World

4 years ago

Doug Simmons and Dedra McGee were not going to suffer for their wedding guests who promised to show up and never did. They even gave the no-shows a deadline.

Gorgeous law student reaps bountiful maize harvest, shares cute photos

Gorgeous law student reaps bountiful maize harvest, shares cute photos

World

4 years ago

A 400 level student of Benue State University identified as Esther Ochoga has taken to social media to share photos of her maize harvest to inspire others.

Emilio Flores Marquez: World's oldest man dies at age 113

Emilio Flores Marquez: World's oldest man dies at age 113

World

4 years ago

According to the Guinness World Records, Emilio who is known as Don Millo died just four days after his 113th birthday. He had just celebrated his birthday.

Tom Cruise loses luggage worth thousands after thieves stole bodyguard's BMW

Tom Cruise loses luggage worth thousands after thieves stole bodyguard's BMW

World

4 years ago

Mission Impossible star Tom Cruise lost his luggage which was stolen with his bodyguard’s BMW. The vehicle was later recovered, but the luggage is still missing

Man advertises himself for girlfriend online; monthly salary is R5 300

Man advertises himself for girlfriend online; monthly salary is R5 300

World

4 years ago

Twitter user Chudy with the handle @OkparaNnaJiAku says he wants a girlfriend who will accept R5300 as monthly salary with other benefits & possible raise.

Batman actor Val Kilmer narrates struggle to eat, breathe after battle with cancer

Batman actor Val Kilmer narrates struggle to eat, breathe after battle with cancer

World

4 years ago

The star actor Val Kilmer is now in recovery after enduring painful chemotherapy treatments, radiation and a tracheotomy that permanently damaged his voice.

Lady becomes senior manager of big international company after waiting many years

Lady becomes senior manager of big international company after waiting many years

World

4 years ago

An inspiring young lady has become the manager of her company, a position she has hoped to achieve for years. Many congratulated her on the win on LinkedIn.

Maryn Blignaut