Nicola Mawson

Freelance Journalist

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?

Cape Town couple sues neighbours in bitter driveway parking dispute

Nicola Mawson|Published

A bitter parking dispute in Higgovale, Cape Town, escalated to the High Court, where a judge urged residents to resolve their differences amicably while ordering ...

City wins legal battle to prevent Khoi-San land occupation in Mitchells Plain

Nicola Mawson|Published

Discover how Cape Town's recent court victory empowers the City to prevent Khoi-San land invasions in Mitchell’s Plain, amid a complex legal battle over land rights ...

Generational shift: Steenberg Golf Estate sees younger buyers as older residents sell

Nicola Mawson|Published

Steenberg Golf Estate in Cape Town is experiencing a demographic shift as older residents sell to younger families and professionals, driven by the desire for a ...

Unpaid e-tolls lead to SANRAL's alarming R29 billion financial loss

Nicola Mawson|Published

SANRAL's annual report highlights a staggering R29 billion loss in toll payments for the 2024/25 financial year, alongside significant irregular expenditure and ...

South African retailers face record low confidence as economy falters

Nicola Mawson|Published

South African retailers are experiencing a significant decline in confidence, hitting the lowest levels in over a year.

Online gambling accounts for 1.6% of household spending in South Africa

Nicola Mawson|Published

Gambling has become a weekly, even daily ritual for many: 62% play at least once a week, with nearly 40% gambling even more often.

Why Johannesburg's crumbling infrastructure is driving wealthy residents away

Nicola Mawson|Published

Johannesburg's deteriorating infrastructure is causing a significant exodus of wealthy residents, as highlighted by the latest Africa Wealth Report.

Eskom faces R1 billion damages for cancelling steam generator contract

Nicola Mawson|Published

Eskom has been ordered by the Western Cape High Court to pay nearly R1 billion to French contractor Framatome following the cancellation of a contract for steam ...

South Africa's job market struggles: 95,000 jobs lost in March 2025

Nicola Mawson|Published

The latest labour force survey reveals a troubling decline in South African employment, highlighting the challenges faced by the economy.

More South Africans are turning to crowdfunding to survive

Nicola Mawson|Published

Are South Africans turning to crowdfunding as a solution to their financial struggles? Discover how this growing trend is raising millions for medical expenses, ...

Everyday items in South Africa cost R1 808 more than a year ago

Nicola Mawson|Published

Despite a slowdown in the increase of living costs, South Africans are still facing an average annual rise of R21,000 in their bills.

Godongwana's third attempt to present South Africa's revised national budget

Nicola Mawson|Published

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana faces a pivotal moment as he presents the National Budget for the third time this year, following previous rejections. With markets ...

Ignoring youth unemployment in South Africa is a dangerous gamble

Nicola Mawson|Published

South Africa faces a growing crisis of youth unemployment, with over 62% of young people aged 15 to 24 unable to find work.

Why cybercrime is a bigger concern than load shedding in South Africa

Nicola Mawson|Published

Recent cyber attacks on South African mobile networks highlight the escalating threat of cybercrime, with experts warning that the risks now surpass traditional ...

Why Gauteng's infrastructure woes are driving residents to Cape Town

Nicola Mawson|Published

Discover how Gauteng's deteriorating infrastructure is prompting a mass migration to the Western Cape, as families seek better lifestyles and opportunities in Cape ...

Nicola's Notes: Eskom maelstrom

Nicola Mawson|Published

Brian Molefe’s return to head Eskom smacks of conspiracy, and isn’t as clear cut as one may think, argues Nicola Mawson.

Nicola’s Notes: Beyond trickle down to inclusivity

Nicola Mawson|Published

If we want inclusive growth that benefits all, we need to collectively invest so that all Africans can benefit writes Nicola Mawson.

Fitch also downgrades SA to junk

Nicola Mawson|Published

The second of the big three international ratings agencies has moved, with Fitch downgrading SA to junk.

Fitch follows S&P, downgrades SA

Nicola Mawson|Published

The second of the big three international ratings agencies has moved, with Fitch downgrading SA to junk.

#AntiZuma: Rand relatively unchanged

Nicola Mawson|Published

South Africa’s local currency was relatively unchanged after lunchtime on Friday, despite thousands taking part in an anti-Zuma protest.

Nicola's Notes: Costly protest

Nicola Mawson|Published

South Africans must make their voices heard, but Nicola Mawson asks if marches are the only solution.

Moody’s places SA on review

Nicola Mawson|Published

Moody’s Investors Service says it is replacing SA on review, and may downgrade the country.

Govt committed to growing economy – Treasury

Nicola Mawson|Published

The National Treasury says, after SA was downgraded to junk, it will continue to work with stakeholders.

Guptas’ Oakbay to continue to fight Gordhan

Nicola Mawson|Published

Gupta-owned Oakbay Investments, which is embroiled in a legal battle with Minister of Finance Pravin Gordhan, will continue to fight his legal bid.