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

Loving husband rents out movie theatre to play wife long-lost video of their wedding

Loving husband rents out movie theatre to play wife long-lost video of their wedding

World

4 years ago

Plan B: Psychology graduate shows off her beauty store business with pride

Plan B: Psychology graduate shows off her beauty store business with pride

World

4 years ago

Edith Murway-Traina: 100-year-old woman becomes the world's oldest powerlifter

Edith Murway-Traina: 100-year-old woman becomes the world's oldest powerlifter

World

4 years ago

Selfless woman offers to be surrogate mom for childless family

Selfless woman offers to be surrogate mom for childless family

World

4 years ago

Mom still hopeful she will conceive despite having experienced 4 miscarriages

Mom still hopeful she will conceive despite having experienced 4 miscarriages

World

4 years ago

Family recounts adoption battle for girl found at their gate 20 years ago

Family recounts adoption battle for girl found at their gate 20 years ago

World

4 years ago

Michelle celebrates hubby Barack Obama on his 60th birthday with sweet post

Michelle celebrates hubby Barack Obama on his 60th birthday with sweet post

World

4 years ago

Michelle penned a lolvely message to her hubby, the former US President Barack Obama during his 60th birthday. She said Obama is a wonderful hubby and dad.

5 Facts about Professor Peller, the magician who ‘cut’ his wife into 2 on stage

5 Facts about Professor Peller, the magician who ‘cut’ his wife into 2 on stage

World

4 years ago

Professor Peller was a famous magician who held his audience spellbound in the 70s. His extreme tricks endeared him to people. He used to perform with his wife.

My future wife is covered, I will be her maid; man says, flexes cooking skills

My future wife is covered, I will be her maid; man says, flexes cooking skills

World

4 years ago

A man broke the internet as he showcased his cooking skills with pride. He promised to be the maid of his future wife and said she is covered. Ladies reacted.

Talented young barber makes it in life, gives Burna Boy fine haircut, photos go viral

Talented young barber makes it in life, gives Burna Boy fine haircut, photos go viral

World

4 years ago

A young barber whose work became known to many as he explored the power of social media has hit a jackpot in seeking visibility. He worked on Burna Boy's hair

Abushe: The boy, 14, with adorable natural blue eyes everyone is talking about

Abushe: The boy, 14, with adorable natural blue eyes everyone is talking about

World

4 years ago

14-year-old Abushe is a young boy who is making waves because he has naturally blue eyes. While he is bullied by some, his parents think it is a gift from God.

Ex-wives of Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos donate R571m to women rights organisations

Ex-wives of Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos donate R571m to women rights organisations

World

4 years ago

Melinda Gates and MacKenzie Scott, the ex-wives of Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos teamed up to donate over R571 million to organisations pushing for gender equality

Lady, 23, who refused to lose weight for men finds love with personal trainer

Lady, 23, who refused to lose weight for men finds love with personal trainer

World

4 years ago

Brittany Jacques, a 23-year-old lady who experienced series of heartbreaks due to her weight, has finally found love. She is now engaged to a personal trainer.

Rebecca Essuman: Graduate who obtained 8As receives scholarship to study nursing

Rebecca Essuman: Graduate who obtained 8As receives scholarship to study nursing

World

4 years ago

A brilliant young lady by the name of Rebecca Essuman has been awarded a Getfund Scholarship after obtaining a good 8As in the West African Certificate Exams

Saginaw Grant: Breaking Bad, The Lone Ranger actor dies at 85

Saginaw Grant: Breaking Bad, The Lone Ranger actor dies at 85

World

4 years ago

Saginaw Grant, the Native American character actor, was known for his roles in big films and also his firm believe in his traditions. He was a fan of dancing.

Maryn Blignaut