Ashley Lechman

Multimedia Journalist

Retailers and union offer relief efforts to Western Cape communities

Ashley Lechman|Published

The devastating Western Cape floods have sparked renewed calls for stronger disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience as humanitarian support efforts intensify ...

Middle East conflict keeps oil prices above $100 as South Africans brace for fuel hikes

Ashley Lechman|Published

Investec Chief Economist Annabel Bishop warns that prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could drive inflation higher, weaken economic growth, and push fuel ...

The hidden surcharge raising South African grocery bills

Ashley Lechman|Published

South Africans already facing inflation pressure may soon feel another hidden cost burden as cyber attacks on retailers and logistics firms quietly push up the price ...

Youth owned farming start ups offer new hope amid South Africa’s unemployment crisis

Ashley Lechman|Published

A new pilot programme in Diepsloot is helping young South Africans launch micro farming businesses using solar powered agricultural systems designed to tackle both ...

South African banks grapple with rising fraud threats and mounting losses

Ashley Lechman|Published

As South Africa's banking sector faces a troubling surge in fraud, new data reflects the need for urgent action. With leaders expressing growing concern over the ...

Nedbank launches pre-approved loans of up to R20 million for SMEs

Ashley Lechman|Published

Nedbank has launched a transformative pre-approved loan facility, offering South African SMEs up to R20 million in funding. This initiative aims to combat the staggering ...

Airports Company South Africa announces transition as CEO Mpumi Mpofu exits

Ashley Lechman|Published

Airports Company South Africa has announced that CEO Mpumi Mpofu will step down at the end of June 2026 following the completion of her six year fixed term contract. ...

The uncomfortable truth about small business funding in South Africa

Ashley Lechman|Published

As South Africa's small business landscape faces unprecedented challenges, the latest insights reveal that funding is just the beginning. What comes next is crucial ...

Trump's visit to Beijing shifts focus to US-China trade talks

Ashley Lechman|Published

With President Trump's arrival marking a pivotal moment in US-China relations, stakeholders are bracing for what the discussions may unveil. The interplay between ...

The spaza shop’s invisible impact on the South African economy

Ashley Lechman|Published

As spaza shops thrive, they illuminate the pathway for informal traders in South Africa, challenging the narrative of vulnerability. Explore how empowering these ...

Wall Street reacts as US inflation accelerates and rate hikes loom

Ashley Lechman|Published

As US inflation hits new highs, Wall Street trembles and markets across Asia show caution. Discover how these economic shifts might shape the future as global tensions ...

Constitutional Court ruling reignites scrutiny of SA Reserve Bank over Phala Phala scandal

Ashley Lechman|Published

The recent Constitutional Court ruling on the Phala Phala farm scandal has intensified scrutiny on the South African Reserve Bank's actions. This article explores ...

MPC preview: SA Reserve Bank faces tough choices amid inflation uncertainty

Ashley Lechman|Published

With the MPC meeting approaching, analysts and economists turn their gaze toward inflation data and geopolitical tensions that could reshape SA's economic landscape. ...

Grandma's wisdom illustrates the need for trust beyond words in digital security

Ashley Lechman|Published

: Explore how age-old wisdom about trusting actions over words transforms contemporary cybersecurity in light of rising AI-driven threats. Learn why behavioural ...

Tension in US-Iran relations keeps markets on edge

Ashley Lechman|Published

Will today’s inflation data calm the markets, or will tensions in the Middle East escalate fears further? This article explores the key factors influencing global ...

SA Police Ministers double salary: Taxpayer burden amid special leave

Ashley Lechman|Published

Despite a 3.8% salary increase for Cabinet Ministers effective from April 2026, South African taxpayers are burdened with the dual salaries of Police Minister Senzo ...

Fuel price surge: How loyalty rewards can help South Africans cope

Ashley Lechman|Published

As South Africa faces soaring fuel prices, many households are searching for ways to cope. Discover how Standard Bank’s UCount Rewards programme could help ease ...

UCT-led study unlocks secrets of the world's largest diamonds

Ashley Lechman|Published

Unearthing the secrets of the Earth’s depths, researchers reveal the hidden origins of the world’s most extraordinary diamonds, creating potential pathways to discover ...

Geopolitical tension rises as Iran's counter-proposal rejected by Trump

Ashley Lechman|Published

As tensions rise between Iran and the US over a rejected peace plan, Asian markets focus on AI advances, while commodities react to geopolitical shifts. Read on ...

The journey of Andrew Soqinase: transforming retail in South Africa

Ashley Lechman|Published

With Andrew Soqinase at the helm of Usave, South Africans can rest assured that their pursuit of affordability is matched by a leadership dedicated to uplifting ...

The economic fallout of increased fuel prices in South Africa

Ashley Lechman|Published

Recent fuel price hikes have left South Africans grappling with financial strain, as the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy announced significant increases ...

The devil wears Prada: the enduring value of its iconic wardrobe

Ashley Lechman|Published

Unlocking the hidden value in the iconic wardrobe of The Devil Wears Prada might just be your ticket into the elite world of luxury fashion. With current prices ...

Rooibos gains tariff-free access to burgeoning Chinese market

Ashley Lechman|Published

As South Africa's beloved Rooibos tea secures tariff-free status in China, industry leaders anticipate a wave of opportunities that could transform the local economy ...

Tourism sector recovery gives South Africa's GDP a much-needed boost

Ashley Lechman|Published

With the tourism sector recovering swiftly post-pandemic, South Africa's economy finds a rare source of optimism. Explore how this vibrant industry is defying challenges ...

US-Iran deal talks fuel record highs on Wall Street and reassure global markets

Ashley Lechman|Published

Catch the latest on how global market optimism is surging with potential US-Iran deal talks. Dive deep into the soaring stocks and commodities reshaping financial ...