Ashley Lechman

Multimedia Journalist

MISA launches MISA TV to educate and empower South African motor industry workers

Ashley Lechman|Published

MISA has launched a new digital platform aimed at helping motor industry workers better understand retirement planning, workplace rights and industry changes.

Technical skills alone are no longer enough in the AI workplace

Ashley Lechman|Published

As artificial intelligence transforms the workplace, Strider Digital says employers are placing greater value on judgment, creativity and the ability to work effectively ...

Markets stabilise as Trump hints at Iran deal and G7 voices debt concerns

Ashley Lechman|Updated

Investors breathe a sigh of relief as markets stabilise following President Trump's surprising diplomatic overtures towards Iran. With keen eyes on Nvidia's upcoming ...

Asian markets struggle as geopolitical tensions and oil prices weigh heavy

Ashley Lechman|Published

Tensions rise as markets react to the unfolding Iran conflict, soaring oil prices, and the potential for increased interest rate hikes later this year. Discover ...

South Africa’s food inflation remains low despite rising global commodity prices

Ashley Lechman|Published

Investec Chief Economist Annabel Bishop says strong harvests and favourable weather conditions are helping keep food inflation low in South Africa, despite rising ...

Economic pressures lead to job losses as consumers navigate the ailing economy

Ashley Lechman|Published

The latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey from Statistics South Africa reveals a troubling rise in the unemployment rate to 32.7%, as the economy grapples with inflation, ...

Reginald Zalisile Mayekiso says idle land can help solve South Africa’s food insecurity crisis

Ashley Lechman|Published

Reginald Zalisile Mayekiso believes South Africa already has the land and people needed to tackle food insecurity. Through Olifantshoek Trading Enterprise, he is ...

Beyond oil: How the Middle East conflict is reshaping global industries and inflation

Ashley Lechman|Published

Rising energy costs, fertilizer shortages, and supply chain disruptions are quietly pushing up production costs across global industries, according to Citadel Global. ...

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 ...