Ashley Lechman

Multimedia Journalist

Education funding increase of 2.44% fails to meet South Africa's urgent needs, says Kagiso Trust

Ashley Lechman|Published

: Kagiso Trust has labelled the recent increase in education funding as insufficient, warning that South Africa's future economic stability is at risk without more ...

SAPVIA applauds infrastructure focus in 2026 Budget, urges for solar PV support

Ashley Lechman|Published

In a transformative moment for South Africa’s energy future, the SAPVIA’s enthusiastic response to the 2026 Budget underlines the urgent need for infrastructure ...

From Parliament to the pantry: What the Budget really means at the till

Ashley Lechman|Published

As South Africans brace for the financial implications of the national Budget, discover how households can navigate rising costs and make informed decisions. Read ...

Ozow backs government’s commitment to modernise South Africa’s payments system

Ashley Lechman|Published

In a bid to modernise the national payments landscape, the South African government has embraced partnership with private sector leaders like Ozow, ensuring that ...

Beer Association of South Africa welcomes stable excise increase for beer industry

Ashley Lechman|Published

BASA applauds the government's CPI-aligned excise duty increase in the 2026 Budget, emphasising its role in promoting stability and growth in the beer industry. ...

Budget 2026: VAT threshold increase to R2.3 million, ushers in much-needed SME relief

Ashley Lechman|Published

As South Africa's economy continues to grapple with challenges, the recent 2026 National Budget has introduced a landmark increase in the VAT threshold for SMEs, ...

South Africa's budget 2026: Optimism amidst economic challenges

Ashley Lechman|Published

In the face of economic adversity, South Africa’s latest budget aims to inspire confidence with bolstered revenue and targeted reforms designed to support growth ...

South Africa's 2026 national budget: A return to traditional fiscal policy

Ashley Lechman|Published

Explore how South Africa's 2026 National Budget marks a return to fiscal tradition, with key adjustments for individuals and small businesses while signalling a ...

South Africa’s budget fails to address immediate consumer financial crisis

Ashley Lechman|Published

As South Africa faces rising household costs, the 2026 National Budget is met with disappointment. Find out why industry experts are calling for more immediate relief ...

Budget 2026: Tax reforms offer vital relief for small businesses in South Africa

Ashley Lechman|Published

Discover how the 2026 Budget's tax reforms, driven by insights from over 1,200 small business owners, aim to provide crucial relief and support for South Africa's ...

Watch VideoWatch live: Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana delivers 2026 budget

Ashley Lechman|Published

Join us as South Africa's Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana delivers the 2026 Budget Speech, unveiling crucial fiscal policies that will shape the nation's economic ...

Investing in digital infrastructure is crucial for South Africa's budgetary resilience

Ashley Lechman|Published

As South Africa prepares for its national budget, Vuyani Jarana advocates for a bold investment in digital infrastructure that promises to transform education, healthcare, ...

All eyes on Enoch Godongwana's budget: insights for consumers

Ashley Lechman|Published

As South Africa gears up for its vital budget, what can consumers expect? Experts weigh in on potential tax implications, infrastructure investments, and the need ...

Will South Africa's 2026 budget provide relief for struggling workers?

Ashley Lechman|Published

As South Africa braces for the National Budget Speech, workers are left wondering if this year's budget will truly address their pressing economic challenges. With ...

How the 2026 Budget affects South African families

Ashley Lechman|Published

With South Africa's Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, set to deliver the 2026 Budget Speech, the focus shifts to the real-life implications for families grappling ...

South Africa's 2026 Budget Speech: A hope for economic recovery?

Ashley Lechman|Published

With South Africa's Minister of Finance set to deliver the 2026 Budget Speech, citizens are eager for signs of fiscal relief amid rising costs and a growing credit ...

Wearables and IoT rise, but smartphones remain the central hub of connectivity

Ashley Lechman|Published

In a world where technology constantly evolves, discover why smartphones remain at the heart of our digital lives, connecting us to everything from fitness trackers ...

From Bolt driver to mobility founder: how Lupa Township Delivery is scaling hyper local logistics

Ashley Lechman|Published

As a former Bolt driver operating in Gauteng townships, Kamogelo Lucas quickly realised that South Africa’s mobility systems were not designed with township realities ...

Budget 2026 preview signals fiscal discipline and infrastructure push

Ashley Lechman|Published

With the national Budget Speech just days away, leading tax and economic experts outline why 2026 could mark a year of realism, reform and renewed investor confidence. ...

How high monthly repayments and interest rates are affecting home buyers

Ashley Lechman|Published

Despite high interest rates in 2026, signs of recovering buyer confidence emerge as lending conditions improve.

Clover SA warns of dairy industry crisis due to inconsistent FMD control measures

Ashley Lechman|Published

Clover SA issues a stark warning about the looming crisis in South Africa’s dairy industry, blaming inconsistent FMD measures for jeopardising exports and threatening ...

Earning on TikTok: Alternatives for South African creators without the creator fund

Ashley Lechman|Published

Despite criticism for not offering a creator fund in South Africa, TikTok reveals multiple ways local creators can monetise their content.

Will the R100 spirits tax push consumers to the black market?

Ashley Lechman|Published

This upcoming Budget Speech could reshape the South African alcohol market. With a potential R100 spirits tax looming, will consumers turn to cheaper, illicit options? ...

Discover SendMePls: The new South African app revolutionising shopping and delivery

Ashley Lechman|Published

Explore how SendMePls is reshaping the shopping landscape in South Africa by offering a unique delivery service that empowers local communities and tackles unemployment. ...

The disconnect: why South Africa's SMEs are not benefiting from economic growth

Ashley Lechman|Published

Despite positive macroeconomic signals, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa are experiencing declining confidence levels. Delve into the latest SME ...