Ashley Lechman

Digital Editor

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 ...

Shoprite Next Capital opens doors for local entrepreneurs during global entrepreneurship week

Ashley Lechman|Published

Shoprite Next Capital is not just about business—it’s about nurturing dreams, transforming communities, and providing local entrepreneurs the tools they need to ...

Compliance challenges hinder African SMMEs from accessing green capital

Ashley Lechman|Published

For many African SMMEs, compliance feels more like an insurmountable barrier than a necessary enabler for business growth.

Black Friday shifts from luxury to necessity for desperate South Africans

Ashley Lechman|Published

As Black Friday approaches, South Africans face a difficult financial landscape where grocery deals become a lifeline. Explore how economic pressures are reshaping ...

October inflation rises to 3.6% despite mixed pressures on prices

Ashley Lechman|Published

As the South African economy navigates through fluctuating inflation rates, will the anticipated interest rate cuts pave the way for relief in consumers' wallets? ...

Absa enhances global engagement through B20 report on inclusive trade for MSMEs and women

Ashley Lechman|Published

In an era where inclusivity in trade is paramount for sustainable growth, Absa’s contribution to the B20 report marks a progressive step towards empowering the sidelined ...

Part 2: Leading innovation and shaping the future – Kerry Janse van Rensburg’s vision for retail

Ashley Lechman|Published

Kerry Janse van Rensburg reflects on the challenges and opportunities of leading digital transformation at Pick n Pay and shares her vision for the future of retail ...

Shoprite Group launches innovative digital recruitment platform to boost local job availability

Ashley Lechman|Published

As the Shoprite Group continues to lead the way in uplifting communities through job creation, its new digital recruitment platform epitomises the potential of merging ...

From mines to movement: how Thobile Skhosana is redefining worker protection in SA

Ashley Lechman|Published

After witnessing the human cost of unsafe workplaces, Thobile Skhosana built Itoro Group to protect, empower, and uplift South Africa’s workforce.

MTBPS 2025: consumers left wanting as mini-budget prioritises stability over relief

Ashley Lechman|Published

While Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s latest Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement painted an optimistic picture for the economy, consumers were left disappointed ...

Discovery Bank's R3m fine highlights FICA compliance vigilance needed after greylisting

Ashley Lechman|Published

A recent R3 million penalty for Discovery Bank highlights the urgent need for improved FICA compliance across all sectors in South Africa. With regulators intensifying ...

Hospitality’s human touch in an age of AI

Ashley Lechman|Published

As the hospitality industry navigates the complexities of modern technology, the commitment to human interaction stands as a testament to its resilience. Embracing ...

TymeBank warns against “AI-driven scams” ahead of International Fraud Awareness Week 2025

Ashley Lechman|Published

In an era where technology is both a boon and a bane, TymeBank's alert serves as a crucial reminder for all to exercise caution and scrutiny when it comes to their ...

Lula commends fiscal discipline but urges specific relief for SMEs

Ashley Lechman|Published

Lula praises recent fiscal commitments from the finance minister as a step towards resilience for SMEs but calls for targeted tax relief measures to spur growth ...

New inflation target and debt commitment bolster South Africa's post-grey list credibility

Ashley Lechman|Published

As South Africa basks in the glow of a favourable macroeconomic outlook following its exit from the FATF grey list, the recent Medium-Term Budget seems to promise ...