Ashley Lechman

Digital Editor

The R44.2m click: why human error is South Africa’s biggest cyber threat

Ashley Lechman|Published

Cybersecurity may be fortified by technology, but the human element remains the weakest link. As South Africa faces escalating cyber threats, understanding the true ...

More than two-thirds of SA SMEs plan price hikes amid rising costs

Ashley Lechman|Published

As South Africa's small businesses prepare for a challenging year ahead, their responses to rising operational costs may not only shape their future but also the ...

South African SMEs poised for growth amid festive season and credit rating upgrades

Ashley Lechman|Published

As South African SMEs prepare for the festive shopping spree, key credit ratings improvements and alliances promise new avenues for growth. Will this be their season ...

Peach Payments sees 93% surge in Black Friday sales

Ashley Lechman|Published

As e-commerce continues to shape the retail landscape in South Africa and beyond, Peach Payments' latest results highlight not just a shift in consumer behaviour ...

South Africa's GDP growth modestly rises to 0.5% amid industry challenges

Ashley Lechman|Published

Amidst uncertainty and subtle growth, South Africans are left wondering whether these modest gains can pave the way for a more robust economic future. Stay informed ...

South Africa’s Black Friday spend soars as shoppers chased big ticket savings

Ashley Lechman|Published

South Africans shopped with renewed confidence this Black Friday as spending jumped despite a tough economy.

Young SA founder builds multi million rand global agency from a small Eastern Cape farm

Ashley Lechman|Published

From a small Eastern Cape farm to a global digital company worth millions this is the story of how Jadon Moerdyk built a powerhouse with no investors.

Shopper spends just over R1 million during Black Friday in travel and tourism sector

Ashley Lechman|Updated

Discover how Peach Payments is rewriting the Black Friday playbook with an 80% growth in digital transactions. Get insights into the record-breaking sales and find ...

From big TVs to basic necessities: how South Africans approached Black Friday

Ashley Lechman|Published

South Africans have pivoted from purchasing big-ticket items during Black Friday to hunting for deals on essential groceries, as the ongoing cost-of-living crisis ...

One animal attack can ruin a holiday, and they happen more often than you think

Ashley Lechman|Published

Animal encounters can turn hazardous in a heartbeat—discover why comprehensive travel insurance is essential for every adventure-loving South African traveller, ...

ZURU Toys soar in South Africa’s festive season top toy lists

Ashley Lechman|Published

As the festive season approaches, discover why ZURU Toys have become the must-have items for families across South Africa in 2025. With outdoor play and imaginative ...

Discovery Bank's Black Friday SpendTrend Dashboard reveals real-time consumer spending habits

Ashley Lechman|Published

Discovery Bank aims to offer a clear and comprehensive overview of spending patterns, giving stakeholders an essential resource for understanding the dynamics at ...

Watch how South Africans are buying on Black Friday

Ashley Lechman|Published

The dashboard shows the amount of overall transactions processed via the payment service provider, payment methods used, provincial breakdown and a live ticker of ...

Avoiding Black Friday’s dreaded abandoned cart

Ashley Lechman|Published

As the countdown to Black Friday continues, South African e-tailers have the opportunity to arm themselves with strategies that will not only reduce cart abandonment ...

The desperation effect: how financial anxiety opens the door to cyber scams

Ashley Lechman|Published

As South Africans follow the unsettling path of economic uncertainty, the intersection of mental health and cybersecurity emerges as a crucial dialogue. Understanding ...

Household food basket cost shows mixed trends in affordability for families in south africa

Ashley Lechman|Published

In a country grappling with affordability issues, the November 2025 Household Affordability Index underscores the challenges families face in putting food on the ...

Checkers Sixty60 sets records delivering 7.5 million products during Early Black Friday campaign

Ashley Lechman|Published

Checkers Sixty60's record-setting performance during the Early Black Friday promotion signifies not just growth, but also an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction ...

Coffee consumption defies inflation in South Africa

Ashley Lechman|Published

Amidst rising living costs, South Africans are brewing resilience in their morning rituals. Explore the profound trends defining coffee consumption in the country ...

Pick n Pay rides the K-wave with new range of authentic Korean flavours

Ashley Lechman|Published

As Korean cuisine gains momentum in South Africa, Pick n Pay's new range of delicious K-food options offers an unprecedented opportunity for shoppers to experience ...

Transforming brands through creativity: Sanele Makhato of Mandeza Kathu

Ashley Lechman|Published

Discover how Sanele Makhato is not just creating clothing but crafting identities and stories through his innovative branding solutions at Mandeza Kathu, where each ...

Repo rate cut provides much-needed relief for South African consumers

Ashley Lechman|Published

As South Africa's festive season approaches, the announcement of a 25 basis point cut in the repo rate brings much-needed relief for consumers grappling with rising ...

Sarb reduces repo rate to stimulate economic growth

Ashley Lechman|Published

In a landscape where every basis point counts, the recent repo rate cut by the Sarb offers a glimmer of hope for consumers. What does this decision mean for your ...

Breaking barriers: How African SMEs can thrive amid logistics hurdles

Ashley Lechman|Published

As Africa’s SMEs battle with logistics inefficiencies, the continent’s economic landscape hangs in the balance. Explore how digital solutions and government initiatives ...

Watch VideoSouth African Reserve Bank reduces repo rate by 25 basis points

Ashley Lechman|Published

This means that the repo rate will come down from 7.00% to 6.75% per annum, with the prime lending rate in the country coming down to 10.25%.

South Africa's monetary policy decision looms as households struggle with rising costs

Ashley Lechman|Published

In a climate teeming with fiscal uncertainty, South African households are grappling with the harsh realities of a cost-of-living crisis. Will today's interest rate ...