Nicola Mawson

Freelance Journalist

SANRAL faces R29 billion loss due to unpaid e-tolls

Nicola Mawson|Published

SANRAL reports a staggering R29 billion loss on unpaid e-tolls, raising concerns over financial accountability and irregular spending.

Pick n Pay reports on consumer strain amid rising food prices

Nicola Mawson|Published

As Pick n Pay keeps internal inflation low, consumers face ongoing financial strain amid rising food prices.

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.

The braai’s burning your budget: Meat prices nearly double in a decade

Nicola Mawson|Published

Meat prices have risen well above inflation, leaving consumers paying sharply more for their favourite cuts.

Chicken could become more expensive if industry' s tariff request gets go-ahead

Nicola Mawson|Published

South Africa's chicken industry is urging the government to impose tariffs on imports, a move that could significantly raise prices for households already facing ...

South Africa' s FIC strengthens battle against financial crime with upgraded UN-backed platform

Nicola Mawson|Published

South Africa's Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) has upgraded its goAML registration and reporting system, a vital tool in combating financial crime. This upgrade ...

Eskom' s single-digit tariff promise: Too little, too late?

Nicola Mawson|Published

Eskom has pledged to implement single-digit tariff increases, but how much below 10% will they be? Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa take a historic look at price increases. ...

Eskom plans R320bn infrastructure overhaul as it returns to profitability

Nicola Mawson|Published

Eskom's first profit in eight years comes with ambitious plans for a R320bn infrastructure upgrade—will this mark a new era for the utility?

EFF' s desperate fuel levy challenge crashes and burns

Nicola Mawson|Published

Western Cape High Court delivers a blow to the EFF, criticising their chaotic litigation tactics and imposing hefty legal costs.

South African retailers sound alarm as sales slump signals economic trouble

Nicola Mawson|Published

As South African retailers face a dramatic drop in business confidence, the implications for an already fragile economy are profound.

Spar Group' s COO invests R1 million in shares amid European exit strategy

Nicola Mawson|Published

Megan Pydigadu, COO of Spar Group, invests R1 million in shares, showcasing confidence in the retailer's strategic shift away from European markets.

South Africa' s economy shows signs of recovery as GDP data approaches

Nicola Mawson|Published

As South Africa's economy anticipates second quarter GDP growth, key sectors like mining and manufacturing show promise, yet underlying challenges persist.

The rise of online gambling in South Africa: A look at household spending trends

Nicola Mawson|Published

Discover how South Africa's gambling industry has surged to account for 1. 6% of household spending, revealing alarming trends in borrowing and online betting.

Food prices soar by 280% since 2009, leaving South Africans struggling

Nicola Mawson|Published

As inflation continues to rise, what does this mean for your grocery bills and the future of food prices?

Eskom’s clean energy era begins with 291MW solar drive

Nicola Mawson|Published

Eskom's first Renewable Energy Offtake Programme invites large power users to procure 291MW of solar PV capacity through long-term agreements, aligning with global ...

Unregulated Buy Now, Pay Later services could push millions of SA consumers into financial ruin

Nicola Mawson|Published

MicroFinance South Africa warns that the rapid rise of Buy Now, Pay Later services is putting millions of South Africans at risk of unsustainable debt and financial ...

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 ...