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

7 Richest women in the world 2021: Bezos' ex-wife is number 3

7 Richest women in the world 2021: Bezos' ex-wife is number 3

World

5 years ago

Reactions as pretty lady attends divorce party, shares cool photo online

Reactions as pretty lady attends divorce party, shares cool photo online

World

5 years ago

Flexible paper sculpture that can be stretched into shapes amazes people

Flexible paper sculpture that can be stretched into shapes amazes people

People

5 years ago

Woman calls out baby daddy online, tells him to get DNA test

Woman calls out baby daddy online, tells him to get DNA test

People

5 years ago

Kim Kardashian officially joins world's billionaires list for the 1st time

Kim Kardashian officially joins world's billionaires list for the 1st time

Entertainment

5 years ago

Woman celebrates being the 1st person in her mum's family to bag PhD

Woman celebrates being the 1st person in her mum's family to bag PhD

World

5 years ago

Heartwarming video shows dolphin playing ball with little boy

Heartwarming video shows dolphin playing ball with little boy

World

5 years ago

A little boy and a dolphin have been captured in a heartwarming video passing a ball to each other. The cute video was shared on LinkedIn by Jon Steinberg.

Meet the BSc student whose violin skills made him a viral sensation

Meet the BSc student whose violin skills made him a viral sensation

People

5 years ago

Maremo Seabela is one talented young man. Not only is he a BSc in Molecular and Life Sciences student but he is also a skilful violinist who's wowing SA online.

Jilted lover exposes boyfriend after he engaged another woman over Easter

Jilted lover exposes boyfriend after he engaged another woman over Easter

World

5 years ago

Chileshe Mwape explained that Kusiyo Dee Kusiyo has been dating both her and another woman, whom he had claimed was an ex-girlfriend, but is pregnant for him.

'How I Met Your Mother' actor celebrates hubby on anniversary

'How I Met Your Mother' actor celebrates hubby on anniversary

Entertainment

5 years ago

How I Met Your Mother thespian Barney, born Neil Patrick Harris, has celebrated his husband David Burtka as the couple mark their 17th anniversary together.

Mom becomes 1st woman to earn PhD in computer science from KNUST

Mom becomes 1st woman to earn PhD in computer science from KNUST

People

5 years ago

Dr Rose-Mary Owusuaa Mensah Gyening is the first woman to graduate with a PhD from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). Read more.

Couple stun in beautiful traditional attire during their wedding

Couple stun in beautiful traditional attire during their wedding

World

5 years ago

This bride changed the game and owned the stage. She was looking like a million bucks! Her traditional wedding dress was a mix of angelic white with prints.

Lady inspires social media users with before and after photos of her kiosk

Lady inspires social media users with before and after photos of her kiosk

People

5 years ago

A lady has got people talking on social media after sharing the progress of her business. She shared before and after photos of her business to inspire others.

Christian artist Lecrae says he loves Jesus but isn't churchy person

Christian artist Lecrae says he loves Jesus but isn't churchy person

Entertainment

5 years ago

As much as he loves Jesus, the American musician finds it hard to adapt a “churchy” vibe or behaviour and prefers confessing his adoration for the most high.

Employee finds R620 000 hidden in donated sweaters, returns it to owner

Employee finds R620 000 hidden in donated sweaters, returns it to owner

People

5 years ago

A young employee working for a donation centre was shocked to find R620 000 ($42 000) hidden in some old clothes. She helped return it to the rightful owner.

Maryn Blignaut