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

Young geniuses: 2 Pupils to represent SA in Russia for maths Olympiad

Young geniuses: 2 Pupils to represent SA in Russia for maths Olympiad

South Africa

5 years ago

Rakgadi challenge: Whole trash can thrown at woman in funny video

Rakgadi challenge: Whole trash can thrown at woman in funny video

World

5 years ago

Comeback kid: Mokoena almost retired before Swallows opportunity

Comeback kid: Mokoena almost retired before Swallows opportunity

South Africa

5 years ago

Andile Jali and his wife, Nonhle, still married but no longer together

Andile Jali and his wife, Nonhle, still married but no longer together

People

5 years ago

Proudly South African: Local artist opens solo exhibition in Belgium

Proudly South African: Local artist opens solo exhibition in Belgium

South Africa

5 years ago

Stunning self-taught artist, 20, wows Mzansi with realistic paintings

Stunning self-taught artist, 20, wows Mzansi with realistic paintings

World

5 years ago

Haibo: Man hitches a ride with money truck, Mzansi can't deal

Haibo: Man hitches a ride with money truck, Mzansi can't deal

South Africa

5 years ago

A video was shared on Facebook recently showing a man catching a ride with a cash van. The footage gathered thousands of views and left SA laughing out loud.

Eldorado Park: Clip shows cops & residents clashing following protests

Breaking

Eldorado Park: Clip shows cops & residents clashing following protests

People

5 years ago

Eldorado Park residents protested the death of Nathaniel Julius, who was allegedly shot by a police officers. Things quickly escalated when the cops arrived.

Man says women who dump cheating boyfriends aren't ready for marriage

Man says women who dump cheating boyfriends aren't ready for marriage

South Africa

5 years ago

A man took to Twitter to share his very controversial views on women who don't give their unfaithful baes a second chance. His post sparked quite the reaction.

Video shows massive black mamba taking a swim at Durban beach

Video shows massive black mamba taking a swim at Durban beach

South Africa

5 years ago

A video was shared online showing a 2.4-metre black mamba frolicking in the ocean at a Durban beach. The highly venomous snake doesn't often go onto the sand.

NPA filmed doing Jerusalema challenge at court: "Lawyers have rhythm"

NPA filmed doing Jerusalema challenge at court: "Lawyers have rhythm"

People

5 years ago

A clip was shared online showing lawyers at the Blue Downs Court doing the Jerusalema challenge. The video gathered over 40 000 views in just a couple of days.

Mom and daughter dance together in video, SA confused: "Who is who?"

Mom and daughter dance together in video, SA confused: "Who is who?"

South Africa

5 years ago

A mom and daughter decided to do a dance challenge together and they left Mzansi in awe. Not only were they amazing but Saffas could not figure who was who.

Beyoncé's 'Already' music video recreated by talented Africans kids

Beyoncé's 'Already' music video recreated by talented Africans kids

World

5 years ago

A group of African kids named Dream Catchers Academy have reproduced Beyoncé’s Already music video which features Ghana’s dancehall star, Shatta Wale. Read.

Stunning journo celebrates 21st birthday and Mzansi can't believe it

Stunning journo celebrates 21st birthday and Mzansi can't believe it

South Africa

5 years ago

Sportscaster Chulumanco Amahle Siphungu celebrated her 21st birthday and the stunning lady posted snaps online. SA could not believe that she's actually 21.

Zandile Gumede: SA reacts to corruption-accused politician's return

Zandile Gumede: SA reacts to corruption-accused politician's return

People

5 years ago

Corruption-accused former eThekwini mayor, Zandile Gumede, has returned to politics. The ANC politician has been appointed a KZN MPL and Mzansi is not happy.

Maryn Blignaut