Nicola Mawson

Freelance Journalist

South Africa's R2.6 trillion debt mountain grows but defaults finally ease

Nicola Mawson|Published

South Africans are grappling with a staggering R2.6 trillion debt load, averaging R43,000 per person. However, recent trends show households are managing their debts ...

Black Friday bonanza: South Africans shift sharply toward digital deals and smarter buying

Nicola Mawson|Published

With over R2 billion spent during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, South African consumers are redefining their shopping habits.

Promoting financial inclusion for empowerment in South Africa

Nicola Mawson|Published

Discover how financial inclusion can transform the lives of South Africans, empowering individuals and communities to thrive economically and socially

Black Friday: What consumption driven trend will SA import next?

Nicola Mawson|Published

Discover how South Africa is adapting to global shopping trends like Green Wednesday and Black Friday, and what this means for local consumers in a rapidly evolving ...

Black Friday madness: South Africans swipe over R500m by noon

Nicola Mawson|Published

South Africans are leading the charge in Black Friday spending, with over R500 million swiped by noon, according to Ecentric Payment Systems and Peach Payments.

Black Friday: A spending spree for shoppers and criminals alike

Nicola Mawson|Published

With housebreaking incidents soaring by 48% in December, South Africans face a dual threat this festive season: shopping for bargains and protecting their homes ...

Reserve Bank cuts interest rates by 0.25% as economic prospects improve

Nicola Mawson|Published

The South African Reserve Bank has cut interest rates by 0.25%, bringing the prime rate down to 10.25%. This article examines how this will benefit indebted households, ...

You'll never guess which SA city has become new favourite with first-time homeowners

Nicola Mawson|Published

Despite its reputation for affordability, a house in Bloemfontein is selling for millions. Discover more about this property market.

Debt relief for the holidays: Interest rate drop leaves more rands in your Christmas stocking

Nicola Mawson|Published

South Africans with debt can breathe a sigh of relief as interest rates drop by 0.25 percentage points. How will this change affect your monthly repayments?

Watch VideoLIVE | Interest rate cut expected as inflation stabilises

Nicola Mawson|Published

Economists predict an interest rate cut as inflation stabilises, with potential savings for homeowners. What does this mean for the South African economy?

South Africa's inflation rate drops to 3.6%: What it means for consumers

Nicola Mawson|Published

October's inflation rate in South Africa surprises at 3.6%, lower than anticipated, raising questions about its impact on consumer costs.

Ackerman family offloads big chunk of Pick n Pay shares

Nicola Mawson|Updated

As the Ackermans sell down their stake in Pick n Pay, what does this mean for the future of the retailer and its leadership?

How inflation is affecting your home's value

Nicola Mawson|Published

Discover how the rising inflation rate is impacting home values across South Africa, with significant regional variations in property price growth.

How South Africans are spending 70% of their income on debt repayments

Nicola Mawson|Published

Discover how South Africans are grappling with rising living costs and debt, with 70 cents of every rand earned going towards servicing debt.

How a drop in interest rates can benefit South African homeowners

Nicola Mawson|Published

Learn how an expected interest rate cut could save South African homeowners an extra R300 a month on their bonds, adding to previous savings.

S&P Global Ratings upgrades South Africa’s credit rating for the first time in nearly 20 years

Nicola Mawson|Published

S&P Global Ratings has upgraded South Africa's credit rating for the first time in nearly 20 years, signalling improved economic prospects and a step towards investment ...

New 3% inflation target: economic relief despite short-term growth challenges

Nicola Mawson|Published

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana's decision to lower South Africa's inflation target from the 3-6% range to a fixed 3% marks the end of a 25-year framework. While ...

SA homes surge again, but rising costs leave many locked out

Nicola Mawson|Published

A mix of interest rate stability, improving affordability and changing buyer priorities is driving the recovery that started in mid-2025.

South Africans snap up green homes as energy, water bills soar

Nicola Mawson|Published

Discover how community housing schemes are leading the charge in sustainable living.

Poverty’s hidden price tag starts in the nursery

Nicola Mawson|Published

Find out how poverty has dire economic effects on children.

Strong rand and cheap oil give inflation a breather

Nicola Mawson|Published

Discover how recent fuel price drops could provide much-needed relief for South African households grappling with rising costs.

South Africans brace for budget that could change the cost of living

Nicola Mawson|Published

With South Africans grappling with soaring food and fuel prices, all eyes are on Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana as he prepares to unveil the Medium-Term Budget ...

Every single mother in SA needs a financial safety net

Nicola Mawson|Published

With 42.3% of South African households headed by women and child-raising costs reaching R1.6 million, financial planning has become essential for single mothers. ...

How to avoid the Black Friday shopping hangover

Nicola Mawson|Published

Discover how to navigate Black Friday without falling into debt.

Unconventional ways to repair your finances

Nicola Mawson|Published

With 10 million South Africans drowning in debt, our financial experts share truly unconventional strategies, from reassessing medical aid to leveraging loyalty ...