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

Robin Williams’ son Zak pens emotional tribute on anniversary of actor’s death: “Love you forever”

Robin Williams’ son Zak pens emotional tribute on anniversary of actor’s death: “Love you forever”

World

4 years ago

Exclusive: Young woman, 25, goes from cleaner to independent constructor

Exclusive: Young woman, 25, goes from cleaner to independent constructor

People

4 years ago

Couple welcomes twins with rare black and white skin colours, cute photos pop up

Couple welcomes twins with rare black and white skin colours, cute photos pop up

World

4 years ago

Rihanna ecstatic over video of celebrities praising how good she smells

Rihanna ecstatic over video of celebrities praising how good she smells

World

4 years ago

Kids, 3, battling cancer who met in hospital reunite for 1st time for playdate

Kids, 3, battling cancer who met in hospital reunite for 1st time for playdate

World

4 years ago

Kind man finds poor boy studying under streetlight at night and changes his life for good

Kind man finds poor boy studying under streetlight at night and changes his life for good

World

4 years ago

Enterprising clinical officer, 23, opens clothing company to increase her financial independence

Enterprising clinical officer, 23, opens clothing company to increase her financial independence

World

4 years ago

According to the business lady, Katongo Musongole her clothing company was launched when she was just a third year student in college. Read more on Briefly News

Young lady buys her 1st car, appreciates her employer for giving her a job

Young lady buys her 1st car, appreciates her employer for giving her a job

World

4 years ago

A lady has shown how grateful she is for having a job that enabled her to get her own car. Sharing its picture, she tagged her employer in a LinkedIn post.

Barack Obams was gifted 1000 custom made masks for guests at his birthday bash

Barack Obams was gifted 1000 custom made masks for guests at his birthday bash

World

4 years ago

Barack Obama's birthday was one of a kind as it had staff dressed in designer uniforms and his custom made masks. Everyone got a mask from the 1000 provided.

Jeff Bezos wants to build vehicle that can land on the moon

Jeff Bezos wants to build vehicle that can land on the moon

World

4 years ago

Jeff is lobbying the US govt so that he can win the contract to help NASA build a spacecraft that can land on the moon. Elon was earlier awarded the project.

Young artist wows with stunning portraits showcasing SA’s daily struggles

Young artist wows with stunning portraits showcasing SA’s daily struggles

People

4 years ago

Thabo Modillane, 24, from rural village of Madombidza in Venda, inspires with his art. His portraits tell an important story about daily struggles in Mzansi.

Bride confidently raps during wedding reception as groom hypes her up

Bride confidently raps during wedding reception as groom hypes her up

World

4 years ago

Fati and Kingsley gave their guests a stunning rap performance at their wedding reception that impressed many. The two were praised by many who admired them.

Pastor lifts man, throws him into the congregation during deliverance in video

Pastor lifts man, throws him into the congregation during deliverance in video

World

4 years ago

Internet users reacted to a video from a deliverance session from a church. In the viral video, the pastor jerked a man and threw him into the congregation.

Beauty and brains: A look at the life of Shudufhadzo Musida

Beauty and brains: A look at the life of Shudufhadzo Musida

People

4 years ago

The current Miss South Africa, Shudufhadzo Musida, is an inspiring lady who is using her voice to empower other women in Mzansi and to advocate mental health.

Young man celebrates bagging PhD scholarship in the US, shares adorable photos

Young man celebrates bagging PhD scholarship in the US, shares adorable photos

World

4 years ago

A smart young man identified as Emmanuel Osuagwu has celebrated his achievement on social media after recently bagging a PhD scholarship in the United States.

Maryn Blignaut