Nicola Mawson

Freelance Journalist

Kumba results lift stock 6% but five-year losses leave investors 43% in the red

Nicola Mawson|Published

Kumba Iron Ore’s share price collapse has wiped out nearly half of investors’ money over the past five years as it reported flat headline earnings per share

SA insurers expose shocking ‘kill-for-cash’ schemes and fraud frenzy

Nicola Mawson|Published

From shocking murder for money cases to costly banking errors, South Africa's financial watchdogs are uncovering fraud that runs into the hundreds of millions.

Eskom ordered to cough up R1 billion in costs after cancelled Koeberg project

Nicola Mawson|Published

Eskom has been ordered by the Western Cape High Court to pay nearly R1 billion to French contractor Framatome after the utility failed to fulfil its contractual ...

June inflation rises due to food, housing, and alcohol costs

Nicola Mawson|Published

Discover how rising food, housing, and alcohol prices have pushed June's inflation rate up to 3%, and what this means for consumers

Financial stress: 70% of South Africans are worried about money

Nicola Mawson|Published

Despite a slight decrease in financial stress levels, 70% of South Africans still face significant money worries, affecting their home, work, and health.

How illegal gold mining is thriving in South Africa’s abandoned shafts

Nicola Mawson|Published

Anywhere between 5% and 30% of gold in South Africa – once the world’s top producer – is mined illegally, laundered, and shipped as legitimately mined precious metal. ...

Less households get free basic services as municipalities tighten the tap

Nicola Mawson|Published

Fewer South African households are receiving free basic services like water and electricity, as municipalities tighten their budgets and target indigent households ...

A new era for online shopping as Amazon expands product range in South Africa

Nicola Mawson|Published

Amazon announced on Wednesday a significant expansion in South Africa, adding groceries, pet food, vitamins, and supplements to its product range

Agricultural sector boosts South Africa's GDP growth amidst economic uncertainty

Nicola Mawson|Published

Despite a modest GDP growth of 0. 1% in the first quarter of 2024, economists express cautious optimism, highlighting a strong agricultural performance against a ...

SETAs shake-up sparks nepotism storm in higher education

Nicola Mawson|Published

The recent withdrawal of chairmen appointments at 21 Sector Education and Training Authorities has sparked a fierce debate on nepotism and transparency within South ...

SA GDP expands at a mere 0. 1% in the first quarter

Nicola Mawson|Published

The 0. 1% growth represents a significant step backwards, and is the slowest rate of growth since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Municipal union wins case forcing !Kheis municipality to cough up salaries

Nicola Mawson|Published

The High Court in Kimberley has mandated the !Kheis municipality to pay overdue salaries following a legal challenge by the South African Municipal Workers Union ...

Enoch Godongwana presents South Africa's 2025 Budget: GDP growth forecast revised down

Nicola Mawson|Published

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana reveals a downward revision in South Africa's GDP growth forecast during the 2025 Budget Speech, citing global economic dependencies ...

Interest rate cut anticipated as inflation declines in South Africa

Nicola Mawson|Published

With inflation figures set to be released alongside National Budget 3. 0, experts predict a possible interest rate cut from the South African Reserve Bank.

Dreams of 3% growth and a million jobs unravel as unemployment soars past 32%

Nicola Mawson|Published

South Africa’s goal of 3% economic growth and creating a million jobs in 2025 is faltering, as structural issues, sluggish growth, and rising unemployment - now ...

South Africa is losing billions to the illegal tobacco and alcohol trade

Nicola Mawson|Published

According to the South Africa Illicit Economy 2. 0 Report, our economy continues to be threatened by illegal trade.

DA and EFF unite in court to challenge VAT increase and protect the poor

Nicola Mawson|Published

Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) initiated a court case today aimed at blocking a controversial value-added tax (VAT) increase.

Cell C confirms data breach, warns users to remain vigilant

Nicola Mawson|Published

Cell C faces backlash as RansomHouse exposes sensitive data following breach.

How Eskom's Homeflex tariff may limit solar energy access for low-income South Africans

Nicola Mawson|Published

Eskom's new Homeflex tariff could deter South Africans from adopting solar energy, particularly those with limited financial resources.