Nicola Mawson

Freelance Journalist

From classroom to cash: The top TVET trades employers can’t stop hiring

Nicola Mawson|Published

As university fees soar and artisan shortages persist in South Africa, TVET colleges offer a practical solution for learners seeking job-ready skills, with salaries ...

Watch VideoInterest rates unchanged despite inflation outlook improving

Nicola Mawson|Published

The South African Reserve Bank has held its policy rate at 6.75%, with two members favouring a cut and four preferring a hold.

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 ...

The Northern Cape quietly delivered the best property returns in South Africa

Nicola Mawson|Published

National house prices are still rising, but the real gains are being made in just a handful of provinces and cities.

What the Momentum court ruling means for former brokers facing R475,000 liability

Nicola Mawson|Published

Former brokerage owners must repay R475,000 to Momentum after brokerage liquidation, highlighting personal risk of signing company surety agreements.

Investigation | Where 340,000 stolen cars go - From Joburg to Nigeria in SA's billion-rand underworld

Nicola Mawson|Published

Car theft quietly drains South Africa’s economy, driving higher security costs, insurance premiums, disrupted business operations, and weakened investor confidence. ...

Transnet in the dock as 2013 ship disaster returns to South African courts

Nicola Mawson|Published

Transnet faces $110 million claim as a 2013 ship disaster returns to South African courts, sparking a legal showdown.

School transport is in crisis, National Treasury admits

Nicola Mawson|Published

National Treasury warns of a national school transport crisis as millions of learners, particularly in the Eastern Cape, struggle to attend classes.

How a family visit to South Africa turned into a cross-border 'child abduction' ruling

Nicola Mawson|Published

Supreme Court orders the return of a four-year-old boy to Switzerland, highlighting the importance of the Hague Convention in protecting children's rights.

Stormy season leaves South Africa’s electricity on edge

Nicola Mawson|Published

Stormy weather has led to a 40% rise in power issues across South Africa during the festive season, as Eskom grapples with damaged infrastructure. But what's the ...

Rand pops champagne with a sizzling start to 2026

Nicola Mawson|Published

See how the rand’s 12.4% surge against the dollar kicks off 2026. What’s driving its strength?

South Africa’s borders are buzzing

Nicola Mawson|Published

Discover how South Africa's borders buzzed with a 24.4% rise in international travel in November 2025, signalling a pivotal moment for the tourism sector as the ...

Minister waits on lion-breeding report amid allegations of industry ties

Nicola Mawson|Published

Willie Aucamp, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, is under scrutiny as he awaits a critical report on the voluntary closure of controlled lion-breeding ...

The electrifying career path school leavers are overlooking

Nicola Mawson|Published

Discover why skilled trades offer real opportunities for school leavers, as demand for artisans such as electricians, plumbers, welders and fitters continues to ...

School leavers: Here’s what to study to match South Africa’s critical skills list

Nicola Mawson|Published

As Matric results are released, discover how South Africa's Critical Skills List can guide school leavers in making informed study choices for a successful future. ...

INVESTIGATION | Illicit cigarettes, legal loopholes, and billions gone: SA's hidden crisis

Nicola Mawson|Published

Illicit tobacco in South Africa is a multi-billion-rand industry that not only robs the government of revenue but also fuels organised crime and undermines public ...

DA leadership tensions spill into Public Protector complaint

Nicola Mawson|Published

Minister Willie Aucamp's complaint to the Public Protector, alleging misuse of state resources by former Minister Dion George and his staff, highlights rising tensions ...

Anglo American and Teck's merger: End of an era moves closer

Nicola Mawson|Published

Will Anglo American really remain committed to South Africa with its merger with Teck Resources?

What a stronger rand means for your pocket

Nicola Mawson|Published

The rand's recent performance against the US dollar signals potential relief for consumers as inflation pressures ease. What does this mean for the South African ...

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 ...

Here's what South Africa's top CEOs are earning

Nicola Mawson|Published

Discover the highest-paid CEOs in South Africa for 2025, exploring their impressive compensation packages and the factors driving their earnings.

US weakness is Rand's strength as it breaches R17

Nicola Mawson|Published

The rand dips below R17 to the dollar, influenced by US dollar weakness and upcoming Federal Reserve decisions. What does this mean for South African travellers ...

As the Ackermans cash out, who’s quietly buying up Pick n Pay shares?

Nicola Mawson|Published

Ackerman Family Sells Down Pick n Pay Stake — But the Real Surprise Is Who’s Stepping In

Court ruling restores Northern Cape High School's gym access after lockout

Nicola Mawson|Published

A Northern Cape High School has triumphed in a legal battle to reclaim its gym, which was locked out by a personal trainer.

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 ...