Nicola Mawson

Freelance Journalist

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 ...

Salaries are up again – but here’s why it doesn’t feel like it

Nicola Mawson|Published

Here' s what' s happening with salaries.

Pain for people on medical aid: Private healthcare faces shake-up as NHI showdown looms

Nicola Mawson|Published

As legal challenges to the NHI Act unfold, South African medical schemes face uncertainty, potentially leading to increased costs for private medical cover and impacting ...

Discovery, Bonitas, Momentum: How your 2026 medical aid increase compares

Nicola Mawson|Published

Discover how medical aid schemes are adapting to ensure affordability amidst rising healthcare costs.

Post-greylist: A surge in foreign investment in South African real estate?

Nicola Mawson|Published

South Africa' s exit from the FATF greylist is poised to reignite foreign interest in local property, providing a much-needed boost to the economy and creating new ...

Pension fund penalised for violating member consent

Nicola Mawson|Published

A provident fund has been hauled over the coals by the Pension Funds Adjudicator for making payment of a member’s withdrawal benefit without consent and for acting ...

South Africa delisted from FATF greylist: What it means for your bank transactions

Nicola Mawson|Published

South Africa' s recent removal from the greylist promises to lower banking costs for citizens, signalling a commitment to improved financial practices and attracting ...