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

1170 articles published since 30 Oct 2017

Author's articles

Lost and found cat: Family reunites with missing cat after 13 years

Lost and found cat: Family reunites with missing cat after 13 years

World

5 years ago

Mzansi entrepreneurs: Side hustling is the new norm in South Africa

Mzansi entrepreneurs: Side hustling is the new norm in South Africa

South Africa

5 years ago

Physically challenged man hailed online for enrolling orphan in school

Physically challenged man hailed online for enrolling orphan in school

World

5 years ago

Jose Mourinho lands 2 big jobs few weeks after being sacked at Tottenham

Jose Mourinho lands 2 big jobs few weeks after being sacked at Tottenham

World

5 years ago

Lady buys house, renovates it to suit her taste, shares interior pics

Lady buys house, renovates it to suit her taste, shares interior pics

People

5 years ago

Futuristic Mercedes-Benz ride that would give Elon Musk's Tesla a run

Futuristic Mercedes-Benz ride that would give Elon Musk's Tesla a run

World

5 years ago

Funny moment girl gives catholic priest high-five during prayer session

Funny moment girl gives catholic priest high-five during prayer session

World

5 years ago

A funny video of a little kid high-fiving a priest as he was praying for her has got people reeling with laughter on social media. Many said kids are cute.

T-Pain just discovered Instagram DM request folder, celebs snubbed for years

T-Pain just discovered Instagram DM request folder, celebs snubbed for years

World

5 years ago

American rapper T-Pain recently shared a video showing his ignored messages on Instagram. The rapper said he had no idea that there was a DM request folder.

NeYo surprises pregnant wife with Bentley as early Mother’s Day gift

NeYo surprises pregnant wife with Bentley as early Mother’s Day gift

World

5 years ago

Ne-Yo's wife Crystal Smith was over the moon after her hubby surprised her with a Bentley First Edition ride. She shared a video showing the stunning interior.

Will Smith’s daughter comes out as polyamorous, prefers multiple partners

Will Smith’s daughter comes out as polyamorous, prefers multiple partners

World

5 years ago

Willow Smith revealed the news during the Red Table Talk with her mother and grandmother. In July 2020, Willow's mother admitted to having an affair with Alsina

Burna Boy’s mom makes Billboard’s 2021 International Power Players list

Burna Boy’s mom makes Billboard’s 2021 International Power Players list

World

5 years ago

Burna Boy's mother Bose Ogulu was named as one of Billboard's International Power Players in 2021. Bose said she's looking forward to breaking another door.

Besties, 60, who met in the 70s entertain netizens with their dance videos

Besties, 60, who met in the 70s entertain netizens with their dance videos

People

5 years ago

A granny duo known as DaBabyBommers became famous after they went viral due to a dance video to one of DaBaby's songs. The two even performed at the Grammys.

Social media celebrates Uber driver who returned passenger's iPhone 12 pro

Social media celebrates Uber driver who returned passenger's iPhone 12 pro

People

5 years ago

A sincere Uber driver simply identified as Mr Osakwe has been celebrated on popular social media platform Twitter for returning his passenger's iPhone 12 pro.

From doctor to painter: Man turns swimming pool area into 'paradise'

From doctor to painter: Man turns swimming pool area into 'paradise'

World

5 years ago

A young man, who is also a medical doctor, Ohis, impressed people with his painting skill. People wondered how he was able to transform a swimming pool area.

Video shows men with bundles of cash 'raining' money on party guests

Video shows men with bundles of cash 'raining' money on party guests

People

5 years ago

A video has gone viral for how it showed many people displaying wealth uncontrollably at a party. Many said it may make someone without money to overthink.

Maryn Blignaut