Nicola Mawson

Freelance Journalist

Removing medical aid tax credits could backfire on NHI funding plans

Nicola Mawson|Published

With legal challenges to the controversial National Health Insurance (NHI) Act wending their way through various courts, there continues to not only be a lack of ...

Housing estate ombud got it wrong, Supreme Court rules

Nicola Mawson|Published

The Supreme Court of Appeal found a CSOS adjudicator misread membership rules of housing estates, which distorted levy calculations.

Inside the CPI numbers: Inflation hits 20-year low, but food and rent still squeeze households

Nicola Mawson|Published

South Africa’s 2025 inflation hits 21‑year low, easing household budgets despite rising meat, rent, and utility costs.

Why your January career ambitions die in February

Nicola Mawson|Updated

As the New Year begins, many set ambitious career goals, but why do these resolutions often fade by February? Here's how to maintain momentum and achieve your aspirations. ...

Consumers win big as watchdogs recover R60m in fines and refunds

Nicola Mawson|Published

As last year drew to a close, two key rulings dealing with consumer rights were handed down: one by the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) and another by the National ...

Why 2026 is the year of the property market rebound

Nicola Mawson|Published

Is 2026 the turning point for South Africa's property market? After years of stagnation, positive economic indicators are paving the way for a rebound, offering ...

What rising debt means for South Africa’s rental market

Nicola Mawson|Published

According to Africaninvestor, private rental data indicates that tenant demand tends to peak in January and February, driven by students starting university, new ...

The school placement scramble parents can’t ignore

Nicola Mawson|Published

As almost 23,000 South African children still await school places, parents scramble for solutions as the 2026 term fast approaches.

Relief for South African households as rate cuts move closer

Nicola Mawson|Updated

Lower interest rates and a stronger rand could ease inflation, reduce borrowing costs, and support modest economic growth in 2026.

Januworry: Could unnecessary bank fees be wasting your money?

Nicola Mawson|Published

Are you really getting your money’s worth? Compare fees and perks across bank accounts to find real value.

Januworry is here: How to avoid debt traps

Nicola Mawson|Published

With Januworry upon us, the Credit Association of South Africa urges consumers to make informed credit choices. Discover essential tips to navigate financial pressures ...

How festive risks could leave you uninsured

Nicola Mawson|Published

Discover how to safeguard your insurance claims this festive season with essential tips on avoiding common pitfalls, from drinking and driving to leaving valuables ...

Residents pay the price for a restaurant in their estate

Nicola Mawson|Published

Johannesburg residents in two private estates will continue to face steep business electricity rates—up to 75% higher than domestic tariffs—after the Supreme Court ...

Defective used vehicle, big consequences: WesBank ordered to refund buyer in landmark ruling

Nicola Mawson|Published

In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court of Appeal orders WesBank to refund R170,023 for a defective used Ford Ranger, setting a precedent for consumer rights and ...

How Trump's tariffs pinched South African SMEs ahead of key US court ruling

Nicola Mawson|Published

With the US Supreme Court set to rule on President Trump's tariffs, South African SMEs are already grappling with significant losses.

Here’s what South Africans expect for inflation – and why it matters

Nicola Mawson|Updated

Where do South Africans think inflation will land up?

Avoid a financial hangover this festive season

Nicola Mawson|Published

With festive spending on the rise, South Africans face new financial pressures. This article explores strategies to manage holiday budgets, avoid overspending, and ...

Why Banxso's R2bn fine broke records

Nicola Mawson|Published

How the FSCA's record R2 billion fine against Banxso signals a crackdown on financial misconduct.

Here's how much South Africans are paying to rent a home

Nicola Mawson|Published

As rental costs in South Africa surge ahead of inflation, an alarming number of tenants are falling behind on payments, with lower-income households facing the greatest ...

There’s a snake on my stoep

Nicola Mawson|Published

Are you aware of what you must disclose when selling your home in South Africa? From structural issues to wildlife encounters, find out what could impact your buyer's ...

Financial strategies for escaping an abusive relationship

Nicola Mawson|Published

As we mark 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, new data from Statistics South Africa reveals 60,000 sexual offence incidents involving 44,000 victims ...

Are you a criminal's Christmas present?

Nicola Mawson|Published

With the festive season approaching, are you prepared to protect yourself from the surge in scams?

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