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

Politician splashes R37k on viral amputee, photos stir massive reactions

Politician splashes R37k on viral amputee, photos stir massive reactions

People

5 years ago

Amputee who sells water for a living shares her touching life story

Amputee who sells water for a living shares her touching life story

People

5 years ago

Young woman who paints cars reveals challenges she faced from men

Young woman who paints cars reveals challenges she faced from men

World

5 years ago

Kindhearted man feeds elderly couples and widowed mothers, many hail him

Kindhearted man feeds elderly couples and widowed mothers, many hail him

World

5 years ago

Birthday party causes stir online as people flood dance floor with dollar bills

Birthday party causes stir online as people flood dance floor with dollar bills

World

5 years ago

Beautiful prison that has studio, dryer, washing machine, sitting room stuns many

Beautiful prison that has studio, dryer, washing machine, sitting room stuns many

People

5 years ago

“Greener” UN treaty could help promote socio-economic rights, says LLD graduate

“Greener” UN treaty could help promote socio-economic rights, says LLD graduate

World

5 years ago

Environmental law and human rights expert Dr Megan Donald detailed the importance of an "greener” UN treaty, which could help promote socio-economic rights.

Man proposes to lover with 5 engagement rings, lets her choose the best

Man proposes to lover with 5 engagement rings, lets her choose the best

People

5 years ago

A man, Will - who goes by @ichillwillfixit, from Atlanta, Georgia, went down on one knee at the top of a building and flashed our a ring holder with five rings.

Prince Philip: Boris Johnson pays tribute to 'brave' Duke of Edinburgh

Prince Philip: Boris Johnson pays tribute to 'brave' Duke of Edinburgh

World

5 years ago

Boris Johnson has reacted to the news of Prince Philip's death. The UK Prime Minister gave thanks for the extraordinary life and work of the Duke of Edinburgh.

Powerpuff Girls: 1st Pics emerge from filming of famous show's reboot

Powerpuff Girls: 1st Pics emerge from filming of famous show's reboot

World

5 years ago

Photos have emerged from the latest production of the live-action reboot of Powerpuff Girls, which has been going on for a while now. The show will air on CW.

NeYo and wife Crystal Smith expecting 1st daughter together

NeYo and wife Crystal Smith expecting 1st daughter together

Entertainment

5 years ago

Crystal Smith, wife of US-based R&B Singer NeYo penned an emotional letter for her upcoming daughter a day after she asked fans to pray for a smooth delivery.

Wow: Shaquille O'neal pays for random fan's engagement ring

Wow: Shaquille O'neal pays for random fan's engagement ring

World

5 years ago

The Hall of Fame star reportedly earned more than R3.6 billion during his playing career,an amount which is exclusive of endorsements and other appearances.

Haibo: Pageant turns chaotic after crown was snatched off winner's head

Haibo: Pageant turns chaotic after crown was snatched off winner's head

World

5 years ago

All was well until the hot pageant's 2019 winner and Mrs. World 2020, Caroline Jurie, took to the stage and picked up the microphone. Read more on Briefly.

Ramaphosa calls for unity, says Mzansi would love a corruption free ANC

Breaking

Ramaphosa calls for unity, says Mzansi would love a corruption free ANC

South Africa

5 years ago

President Cyril Ramaphosa called for unity in the African National Congress while speaking during the 150th birthday celebration for Charlotte Mannya Maxeke.

Forbes African Icons list: Trevor Noah, Connie Ferguson, other Saffas recognised

Forbes African Icons list: Trevor Noah, Connie Ferguson, other Saffas recognised

World

5 years ago

Trevor Noah, Nasty C and Connie Ferguson were amongst others who were recognised on the Forbes African Icons List. Briefly took a look at those who featured.

Maryn Blignaut