Ashley Lechman

Digital Editor

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 ...

TikTok awards Sub-Saharan Africa returns: celebrating the creators redefining digital culture

Ashley Lechman|Published

The 2025 TikTok Awards Sub-Saharan Africa are back, honouring the creators and trendsetters who have captured the continent’s imagination and turned creativity into ...

KPMG economist says MTBPS lays the foundation for sustainable growth

Ashley Lechman|Published

KPMG South Africa’s Lead Economist, Frank Blackmore, said Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement struck the right chords, focusing ...

Watch VideoWatch live: Enoch Godongwana delivers MTBPS

Ashley Lechman|Published

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana delivered his Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) on Wednesday.

South African SMEs show resilience with 23% rise in US exports after turbulent September

Ashley Lechman|Published

The upward shift in exports, while promising, still places figures 40% below the baseline set on 1 April, when former President Trump imposed new tariffs that adversely ...

Transforming retail: Kerry Janse van Rensburg’s rise at Pick n Pay

Ashley Lechman|Published

From early fascination with technology to leading South Africa’s largest supermarket chain into the digital age, Kerry Janse van Rensburg’s story is one of vision ...

Petshop Science unveils premium private label pet food, bridging quality and affordability

Ashley Lechman|Published

Discover how Petshop Science is transforming pet care with their new premium food range that promises health, happiness, and sustainability for your beloved pets. ...

Mini budget must prioritise small business growth and fiscal discipline, urges Lula

Ashley Lechman|Published

This mini budget offers a chance for the South African government to demonstrate its dedication to fostering an environment where small businesses can thrive. As ...

Mini budget must leverage SA’s removal from grey list, urges Verto

Ashley Lechman|Published

In the wake of South Africa's exit from the FATF grey list, Verto highlights that the upcoming mini budget is a pivotal moment to reinforce financial stability and ...

Growing more than poultry: how Nkadimeng Agri is feeding communities and changing lives in Mpumalanga

Ashley Lechman|Published

Driven by a mission to nourish both people and the planet, Nkadimeng is proving that ethical farming is the future of food security in South Africa.

Experts warn consumers need relief ahead of South Africa’s mid-term budget statement

Ashley Lechman|Published

As South Africa prepared for the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement, financial experts warned that bracket creep, stagnant tax-free savings limits, and high debt ...

South African retailers face cybersecurity storm during peak season

Ashley Lechman|Published

Black Friday, Festive, and Back to School trading periods merged into a three-month peak that placed growing strain on local retailers.

Black Friday Alert: How AI, deepfakes and smart scams trick shoppers

Ashley Lechman|Published

According to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners South Africa (ACFE SA), fraud typically spiked during large retail events such as Black Friday — a trend ...

South Africa's medium-term budget: Key insights and expectations for consumers

Ashley Lechman|Published

Tando Ngibe, Senior Manager at Budget Insurance, anticipates crucial revisions in economic growth and inflation forecasts during the MTBPS.

The price of loyalty: South African shoppers lost faith in Black Friday hype

Ashley Lechman|Published

Black Friday delivered big sales once again, but experts said consumer trust, not discounts, became the real prize for retailers this year.

Rolex and Cartier outperform stocks as local investors seek safe assets

Ashley Lechman|Published

Amid rand volatility and sluggish economic growth, South Africans increasingly bought Rolex watches, Cartier jewellery, and Hermès handbags as alternative assets. ...

Proactive cashflow planning key to SMEs surviving January cash crunch

Ashley Lechman|Published

The festive season presents immense growth potential, with industry data showing continued year-on-year increases in consumer spending.

Pick n Pay expands in Botswana with launch of first 24-hour 'Go Store'

Ashley Lechman|Published

A new partnership between Vivo Energy Botswana and Pick n Pay redefined convenience for motorists with the introduction of 24-hour Pick n Pay Go stores.

Amazon introduces scheduled delivery time slots for SA shoppers

Ashley Lechman|Published

Amazon South Africa rolled out scheduled delivery time slots, allowing customers to choose when their packages arrived and improving convenience across major cities. ...

Some pre festive cheer as fuel price cuts in November bring welcome year-end relief

Ashley Lechman|Published

As South Africans prepare for the holiday season, the recent drop in petrol and diesel prices offers a much-needed reprieve amidst financial strains, making travel ...

MTBPS sets the stage for tax compliance and sustainable growth

Ashley Lechman|Published

As South Africans look ahead to the November announcement, the 2025 budget could signal a turning point in the quest for enhancing tax compliance and ensuring prudent ...