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

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

Jennifer Lopez, Alex Rodriguez deny breakup rumours in joint statement

Jennifer Lopez, Alex Rodriguez deny breakup rumours in joint statement

Entertainment

5 years ago

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

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

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.

Dad pretends to steal cartoon's food, son's reaction goes viral

Dad pretends to steal cartoon's food, son's reaction goes viral

People

5 years ago

A dad and his kid have both become famous after the father faked control over the happenings in popular Tom and Jerry cartoon series. Many people were wowed.

Couple share how their love story moved from grass to grace

Couple share how their love story moved from grass to grace

World

5 years ago

A couple has been together for a while now. The man shared a throwback photo of how they started and a recent photo showing their improvement over the years.

Teacher gifted over R408k to buy pianos for students after plea online

Teacher gifted over R408k to buy pianos for students after plea online

People

5 years ago

A kind US teacher posted her plight on Facebook and Instagram through a short clip that had her pleading with well-wishers to support her talented students.

Artist gives girl a scholarship, vows to make her an expert as well

Artist gives girl a scholarship, vows to make her an expert as well

People

5 years ago

An African artist has put a smile on a young girl's face by sponsoring her training to become an artist like her. @ceracerni made the disclosure on Twitter.

Maryn Blignaut