Nicola Mawson

Freelance Journalist

South Africa' s inflation rises slightly, but food prices ease

Nicola Mawson|Published

Food prices, which have been a key driver of inflation in recent months, showed signs of easing, helping to temper overall price growth.

Fewer debt summonses for South Africans, but total debt continues to rise

Nicola Mawson|Published

Stats SA reports a significant drop in civil summonses for unpaid debts among South Africans, yet the total amount owed is on the rise, raising concerns about financial ...

Consider future needs before buying a home in Cape Town

Nicola Mawson|Published

With Cape Town's property prices on the rise, homebuyers are urged to look beyond immediate needs and consider how their new home can adapt to future life changes, ...

What every first-time homebuyer should check before signing

Nicola Mawson|Published

Buying your first home? Property experts reveal the critical checks that could save you thousands - from pricing trends and neighbourhood research to hidden costs ...

Limpopo emerges as South Africa' s leading property hotspot with soaring house prices

Nicola Mawson|Published

Limpopo has emerged as South Africa's unexpected property hotspot, with a remarkable 12. 3% increase in house prices in May 2025.

Gold rush rewards: Krugerrand investors strike it rich after 30 years

Nicola Mawson|Published

Discover how Krugerrands have transformed into a remarkable investment over the past 30 years.

Are European holidays still a dream for South Africans despite a stronger rand?

Nicola Mawson|Published

Despite a stronger rand, the dream of a European holiday remains elusive for many South Africans, with daily costs in Spain and the UK far exceeding local earnings. ...

Watch VideoLOOK | Stillness Manor sets a new benchmark with R59.8 million sale in Zwaanswyk

Nicola Mawson|Published

Zwaanswyk's historic Stillness Manor has set a new benchmark with a staggering R59. 8 million sale, showcasing the area's luxury property appeal and the unmatched ...

Understanding the impact of overpricing on South Africa' s luxury property market

Nicola Mawson|Published

Discover how a record-breaking R157 million sale on Nettleton Road exemplifies the explosive growth of South Africa's luxury property market, with over 120 properties ...

What bumper harvests mean for your budget

Nicola Mawson|Published

While food inflation may be slowing, prices are still rising. Discover how this affects your purchasing power and what recent agricultural trends mean for your budget. ...

Working less, earning more: The curious case of South Africa’s pay paradox

Nicola Mawson|Published

In the second quarter of 2025, South African workers experienced modest salary increases despite significant job losses.

Swipe surge: Why South Africans are suddenly leaning on their credit cards

Nicola Mawson|Published

South Africans are increasingly turning to credit, with a significant rise in credit card originations as interest rates provide relief. However, many are still ...

Why insurers are rejecting thousands in claims

Nicola Mawson|Published

Are you driving an unroadworthy vehicle? Discover how thousands of South African motorists are facing insurance claim rejections due to poor vehicle maintenance. ...

Low economic growth keeps consumers cautious

Nicola Mawson|Published

Economists are divided on the outlook for consumers, with Old Mutual chief economist Johann Els taking a more positive stance. He says low inflation and lower interest ...

With inflation rising, will South African consumers see any relief in interest rates?

Nicola Mawson|Published

Experts suggest that the South African Reserve Bank may hold rates steady, impacting household finances.

South Africa’s middle-aged earn more but here' s the thing...

Nicola Mawson|Published

South Africa's Generation X is at a financial crossroads, earning more than ever yet grappling with significant pressures from caring for ageing parents and raising ...

High inflation and unemployment pressure South African households – will relief come later in 2025?

Nicola Mawson|Published

Over the longer term, households have barely kept pace with the economy. Since the AFHRI began in 2014, the index has grown at an average annual rate of 1%, slightly ...

Wealthy individuals flocking to South Africa' s Western Cape for quality of life and luxury opportunities

Nicola Mawson|Published

Discover how high-net-worth individuals are reshaping South Africa's property landscape as they migrate to the Western Cape, driven by lifestyle advantages and the ...

Trustees face liability as mismanagement puts sectional title owners at risk

Nicola Mawson|Updated

Trustees of sectional title schemes face personal liability for mismanagement, impacting property values and owners. Discover the rights of owners and the responsibilities ...

Debt court cases drop, but South Africans still under financial strain

Nicola Mawson|Published

Despite a significant drop in civil summonses and judgments for debt in South Africa, consumers are still grappling with financial challenges, as revealed by recent ...

How rising house prices are squeezing South African buyers

Nicola Mawson|Published

More South African estate agents warn that house prices are outpacing incomes, as rising numbers of buyers turn to personal loans despite signs of improving consumer ...

South Africa’s youth face retirement crisis, small savings could be the lifeline

Nicola Mawson|Published

With youth unemployment in South Africa nearing 50%, experts warn that the future generation may struggle to save and retire comfortably. This article explores the ...

The financial burden on South African women: A growing debt crisis

Nicola Mawson|Published

As South African women increasingly shoulder the burden of debt, the statistics reveal a troubling reality: many are single parents struggling to make ends meet ...

July sees drop in average take-home pay amid soaring costs in South Africa

Nicola Mawson|Published

South Africa's average nominal take-home pay has dropped in July 2025, according to the BankservAfrica Take-home Pay Index, raising concerns about the financial ...

Debt review protects consumers but final court decision still pending

Nicola Mawson|Published

Key protections for South Africans in debt review hang in the balance as a court ruling faces appeal. This article explores the implications of the ruling and what ...