Ashley Lechman

Multimedia Journalist

From monopoly to marketplace, how South Africa’s electricity sector is evolving

Ashley Lechman|Published

A major shift in South Africa’s electricity sector is creating new opportunities for businesses and consumers alike.

Nvidia sparks rally across Wall Street and Asia amid ongoing geopolitical tensions

Ashley Lechman|Published

As Nvidia’s advancements provide a glimpse of hope for investors, geopolitical tensions push markets to their limits. What does this mean for future economic stability? ...

Shoprite expands financial services offering with stake in R & A Cellular

Ashley Lechman|Published

Shoprite Group is set to revolutionise South Africa's informal economy by acquiring a majority stake in R&A Cellular, aiming to enhance access to vital financial ...

Middle East conflict could push oil to $150 a barrel and test South Africa’s economy

Ashley Lechman|Published

Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, economist Professor Raymond Parsons warns of a potential surge in global oil prices, posing significant challenges for ...

Markets brace for Fed decisions as oil prices rise amidst ongoing conflict

Ashley Lechman|Published

This week’s economic landscape is shrouded in uncertainty as geopolitical tensions escalate. Financial leaders await insights from the Fed, hoping for direction ...

Bells ring for a new era of women empowerment at JSE

Ashley Lechman|Published

The Johannesburg Stock Exchange celebrated a decade of progress in gender equality with a bell-ringing ceremony, honouring the achievements of women and reaffirming ...

Women entrepreneurs drive climate smart food security near iSimangaliso Wetland Park

Ashley Lechman|Published

Women entrepreneurs in northern KwaZulu Natal are building climate smart businesses that strengthen food security and community resilience.

How geopolitical tensions are affecting South African consumers

Ashley Lechman|Published

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is causing significant disruptions in global oil markets, leading to soaring fuel prices in South Africa. Airlines are raising ...

What the Latest JustWatch Report Reveals About South Africa's Streaming Wars in Q4 2025

Ashley Lechman|Published

Discover how the latest JustWatch report unveils the shifting dynamics of South Africa's streaming market in Q4 2025, revealing which platforms are winning the battle ...

Why 92% of SA shoppers value safety over slick apps

Ashley Lechman|Published

As World Consumer Rights Day approaches, a new report reveals that consumer trust hinges on data protection, potentially reshaping the future of South African retail. ...

New free tool launched to enhance financial wellbeing for South African consumers

Ashley Lechman|Published

Struggling with financial uncertainty? Discover how a new free tool from Doshguide aims to empower South Africans by providing clarity on their financial health ...

How the RE/MAX cyberattack exposed customer data and what it means for you

Ashley Lechman|Published

Discover how the recent cyberattack on RE/MAX compromised customer data and what steps the company is taking to address the breach.

South African consumers turn to buy now pay later options after bonuses

Ashley Lechman|Published

As annual bonuses hit bank accounts, a surprising pattern is emerging in South Africa: consumers are increasingly turning to buy now pay later schemes, strategically ...

Oil prices surge as geopolitical tensions escalate in the Gulf

Ashley Lechman|Published

As global markets contend with the repercussions of geopolitical tensions, the sudden surge in oil prices has raised alarms about potential inflation spikes. Will ...

South Africa Innovation Week 2026 to showcase the role of creators in driving economic growth

Ashley Lechman|Published

Discover how South Africa Innovation Week 2026 is exploring the transformative potential of the creator economy and redefining the future of work, storytelling, ...

How Pick n Pay is capitalising on the CEO burger challenge

Ashley Lechman|Published

After McDonald's CEO faced online trolling, Pick n Pay's executives embraced the CEO Burger Challenge, reviving their popular Burger Friday promotion with unbeatable ...

The golden years on credit: rising debt among South Africa's aging population

Ashley Lechman|Published

In the wake of significant demographic changes, South Africa's aging population finds itself trapped in a cycle of debt, with rising defaults casting a shadow over ...

BMW celebrates 100,000th fourth-generation X3 produced at Rosslyn plant

Ashley Lechman|Published

BMW's Rosslyn plant in Pretoria celebrates the production of its 100,000th fourth-generation X3, showcasing the dedication of its workforce and the plant's vital ...

Fragile economic recovery in South Africa's GDP growth reveals deep-rooted challenges

Ashley Lechman|Published

South Africa's GDP growth shows signs of recovery but remains fragile. Explore the insights from leading economists on the challenges facing the economy and what ...

Markets react positively as Trump hints at easing Middle East tensions

Ashley Lechman|Published

Oil prices plummeted and markets surged after President Trump hinted at easing Middle East tensions, leading to significant gains for the rand and a potential shift ...

How fuel price increase can surge to R8 per litre in April

Ashley Lechman|Published

Alarm bells ring for South African consumers as fuel prices are projected to rise by nearly R8 per litre in April, driven by escalating tensions between the US, ...

Petrol price hike looms, raising alarm for financially strained South Africans

Ashley Lechman|Updated

With fuel prices on the rise and an uncertain economy, South African households are urged to prepare and adapt to ensure they navigate these turbulent times effectively. ...

From taxi boss’s daughter to transport entrepreneur building an 18 vehicle fleet

Ashley Lechman|Published

Keotshepile Jonathan grew up as a taxi boss’s daughter. Today she leads a transport business built on resilience, discipline and a single calculated risk.

Iran's geopolitical tensions: a looming crisis for South African consumers

Ashley Lechman|Published

As the Iran conflict escalates and oil prices surge, South African consumers face increased financial strain, with rising fuel costs and economic uncertainty affecting ...

RCL FOODS issues nationwide recall of pet food that may be contaminated with Salmonella

Ashley Lechman|Published

RCL Foods has announced a nationwide recall of pet food due to potential Salmonella contamination, urging pet owners to check their products and return them for ...