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

Netizens React After Woman Falls Asleep Behind Prince Charles During Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebration

Netizens React After Woman Falls Asleep Behind Prince Charles During Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebration

Europe

4 years ago

Young man who now carries load & sells food for a living after graduating from KNUST causes stir online

Young man who now carries load & sells food for a living after graduating from KNUST causes stir online

Africa

4 years ago

Mum Sadly Dies After Giving Birth to Beautiful Triplets, Her Husband Cries Out for Public Assistance

Mum Sadly Dies After Giving Birth to Beautiful Triplets, Her Husband Cries Out for Public Assistance

Africa

4 years ago

American Woman Finds R557k Inside Sofa She Got on Craigslist, Returns It to Owner

American Woman Finds R557k Inside Sofa She Got on Craigslist, Returns It to Owner

US

4 years ago

Michael B. Jordan, Lori Harvey Reportedly Break up After Over 1 Year Romance

Michael B. Jordan, Lori Harvey Reportedly Break up After Over 1 Year Romance

US

4 years ago

Woman Claiming to Be Her Own Boss Set to Marry Herself, Gets Dragged

Woman Claiming to Be Her Own Boss Set to Marry Herself, Gets Dragged

Asia

4 years ago

Strive Masiyiwa takes Patrice Motsepe’s crown, becomes the richest black man in Southern Africa

Strive Masiyiwa takes Patrice Motsepe’s crown, becomes the richest black man in Southern Africa

Feature

4 years ago

Strive Masiyiwa has dethroned Patrice Motsepe as the richest black man in Southern Africa, but the billionaire has a heart of gold as big as his bank account.

From controversial playboy to aspiring president: Duduzane Zuma turns over a new leaf

From controversial playboy to aspiring president: Duduzane Zuma turns over a new leaf

Feature

4 years ago

Duduzane Zuma has turned over a new leaf. He ditched the Guptas and is now gunning for the African National Congress (ANC) presidency. We looked at his history.

Buckingham Palace Confirms Prince Andrew Tests Positive for Covid-19

Buckingham Palace Confirms Prince Andrew Tests Positive for Covid-19

Europe

4 years ago

Prince Andrew, the Duke of York has reportedly tested positive for COVID-19. A Buckingham Palace official confirmed the diagnosis saying he will miss events.

Elon Musk to Tesla Employees: Return to Office or Leave the Company

Elon Musk to Tesla Employees: Return to Office or Leave the Company

US

4 years ago

World's richest person Elon Musk wrote an email to Tesla Inc. workers demanding to that they return to working from the office 40 hours per week or resign.

After years of service as nurse, Black woman earns bachelor's degree a day after her 82nd birthday

After years of service as nurse, Black woman earns bachelor's degree a day after her 82nd birthday

US

4 years ago

After years of service as a nurse, Mae Beale has now graduated with a degree in Business Management from the University of Maryland Global Campus at 82. Read.

Johnny Depp Says Jury Gave Him Back His Life: "Truth Never Perishes"

Johnny Depp Says Jury Gave Him Back His Life: "Truth Never Perishes"

US

4 years ago

Pirates of the Caribbean actor Johnny Depp was delighted after a jury delivered a ruling against his Ex-wife Amber Heard in a defamation suit. He was awarded.

Kanye West's 4th Lawyer in Divorce Case Against Kim Kardashian Quits

Kanye West's 4th Lawyer in Divorce Case Against Kim Kardashian Quits

US

4 years ago

Kanye West's fourth lawyer Spector steps down from his divorce from ex Kim Kardashian citing an irreconcilable breakdown in the client-attorney relationship.

Grass serpent: Video of very long snake clinging to driver's wing mirror as he travels full speed stirs reactions

Grass serpent: Video of very long snake clinging to driver's wing mirror as he travels full speed stirs reactions

US

4 years ago

A video showing the incredible moment a van driver spotted a massive snake clinging to his wing mirror has surfaced on social media. Watch the cool clip here.

Man Disguised as Old Woman on Wheelchair Attempts to Destroy Famous Mona Lisa Portrait at Paris Museum

Man Disguised as Old Woman on Wheelchair Attempts to Destroy Famous Mona Lisa Portrait at Paris Museum

Europe

4 years ago

An unidentified man dressed as a wheelchair-bound elderly woman threw a custard pie at Leonardo da Vinci's half-length Mona Lisa at an art gallery in Paris.

Maryn Blignaut