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

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

4 years ago

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

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

World

4 years ago

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

4 years ago

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

4 years ago

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

4 years ago

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

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

World

4 years ago

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

4 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.

Idris Elba thanks wife for sticking by him through most difficult year

Idris Elba thanks wife for sticking by him through most difficult year

World

4 years ago

Actor Idris Alba has celebrated his wife, Sabrina Dhowre on their second wedding anniversary. He said she is the reason he made through his most difficult year.

Man catches bae cheating, makes her publicly remove everything he bought

Man catches bae cheating, makes her publicly remove everything he bought

People

4 years ago

The gentleman made his girlfriend remove every item he bought for her. He caught her on an outing with a different man. Many are reacting to the trending video

Justin Bieber slammed for wearing dreadlocks, accused of cultural appropriation

Justin Bieber slammed for wearing dreadlocks, accused of cultural appropriation

Entertainment

4 years ago

While some of his fans lauded him for the new look,many voiced their disapproval of the hairstyle, with quite a number noting that was not the Bieber they know.

Video shows doctor using vein finder to locate veins, many react

Video shows doctor using vein finder to locate veins, many react

World

4 years ago

A clip of a foreign doctor using vein finder on a patient has got people talking on social media. The video was shared by a tweep with the handle @hjChronicles.

Photos show engine serving as pumping machine for farmers, people praise it

Photos show engine serving as pumping machine for farmers, people praise it

World

4 years ago

There seems to be no limit to which man will go to solve problems. Photo of a bike-powered pump has amazed people on Facebook as many said they want to have it.

Rosemary Gavor: Midwife who saved pregnant woman's life using wooden door speaks

Rosemary Gavor: Midwife who saved pregnant woman's life using wooden door speaks

World

4 years ago

Ghanaian midwife, Rosemary Delali Gavor of the Motokrodua CHPS Compound has been celebrated for her commitment to saving the lives of pregnant women. Read more.

Psychologist says women who unknowingly date married men may be desperate

Psychologist says women who unknowingly date married men may be desperate

World

4 years ago

Counselling psychologist Benjamin Zulu opines that women have the gift of instincts which makes them notice signs that a man is married, but they ignore them.

A look at Elon Musk's garage that has cars worth millions of Rands

A look at Elon Musk's garage that has cars worth millions of Rands

People

4 years ago

Elon Musk is not only one of the richest people in the world but also one whose contributions are advancing humanity in the aspects of technology and finance.

Maryn Blignaut