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

Anele brags about being world famous after Trevor Noah's Grammy shoutout

Anele brags about being world famous after Trevor Noah's Grammy shoutout

South Africa

5 years ago

Michelle Obama hopes Meghan Markle finds forgiveness and peace

Michelle Obama hopes Meghan Markle finds forgiveness and peace

People

5 years ago

Transgender actor Elliot Page says he wanted to be a boy at aged 9

Transgender actor Elliot Page says he wanted to be a boy at aged 9

Entertainment

5 years ago

Heartbroken teacher asks support for pupil who sleeps on floor with grandma

Heartbroken teacher asks support for pupil who sleeps on floor with grandma

World

5 years ago

Finding love in Africa: US missionary marries taxi driver she met in church

Finding love in Africa: US missionary marries taxi driver she met in church

People

5 years ago

Lady embarrasses bae on campus after he refused to accept pregnancy

Lady embarrasses bae on campus after he refused to accept pregnancy

People

5 years ago

Lady looks for hubby online, only wants men from wealthy countries

Lady looks for hubby online, only wants men from wealthy countries

World

5 years ago

A lady has given specs on the kind of man she wants to marry. According to her, the interested person must be in a country where things are working better.

Jennifer Lopez, Alex Rodriguez deny breakup rumours in joint statement

Jennifer Lopez, Alex Rodriguez deny breakup rumours in joint statement

Entertainment

5 years ago

The two celebrity lovebirds who have been together since 2017 brushed off the malicious allegations and told CNN that all the negative speculation was untrue.

Khloe Kardashian professes love for Tristan Thompson 1 year after breakup

Khloe Kardashian professes love for Tristan Thompson 1 year after breakup

Entertainment

5 years ago

In an Instagram post spotted by Briefly, Khloe declares that she loves Tristan and explained their situation as one that has been tried, tested and tempted.

US actress Aja Naomi King speaks on falling pregnant after 2 miscarriages

US actress Aja Naomi King speaks on falling pregnant after 2 miscarriages

Entertainment

5 years ago

US actress Aja Naomi King said she had two miscarriages before she finally carried her daughter. Naomi shared a photo of her baby bump as she encouraged fans.

Meet Mehran Dildar: President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Number 1 fan

Meet Mehran Dildar: President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Number 1 fan

South Africa

5 years ago

A young girl, Merhan Dildar, dreams of meeting Mzansi president Cyril Ramaphosa and is well known for her inspirational videos since she was three years old.

Hilarious viral video shows puppy tugging on 2 angry cats' tails

Hilarious viral video shows puppy tugging on 2 angry cats' tails

World

5 years ago

The video of two cats in a fierce-looking pose and a dog trying to rile them up has gone viral on the internet as many were amazed by the puppy's mischief.

Groom shows up for his wedding in jeans, photos trends online

Groom shows up for his wedding in jeans, photos trends online

People

5 years ago

A Nigerian man identified as Conan-Moses Orseer Anyamikegh recently left tongues wagging over his peculiar and bold choice for a wedding outfit. Read more.

Mary Adobea Agyekum: Lady, 33, walks after strangers donate R250k for surgery

Mary Adobea Agyekum: Lady, 33, walks after strangers donate R250k for surgery

People

5 years ago

Mary Adobea Agyekum suffered from spinal tuberculosis for over a year. Good Samaritans raised R258k to sponsor her surgery. She is back on her feet & grateful

Man defends his wifey, says she won't cook at family gatherings

Man defends his wifey, says she won't cook at family gatherings

People

5 years ago

A Nigerian man received many comments on his post after saying that he would never allow his wife to cook at family gatherings because she's not a caterer.

Maryn Blignaut