Ashley Lechman

Digital Editor

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 ...

How 1Africa Consulting built a purpose led pan African communications movement

Ashley Lechman|Published

CEO and founder Mosh Matsena reflected on how a pandemic era dream became a growing continental communications agency rooted in collaboration, representation and ...

Stay safe online this Black Friday: Here are the essential tips to protect your finances

Ashley Lechman|Published

As Black Friday countdowns to an anticipated surge in consumer spending, ensuring online security should be as high on your shopping list as finding the best deals. ...

Checkers opens its largest fully certified halaal store in Westville

Ashley Lechman|Published

With its strategic location, extensive job creation, and focus on halaal offerings, the new Checkers store promises a unique shopping experience that caters to the ...

Standard Bank enhances tourist experience with Dynamic Currency Conversion

Ashley Lechman|Published

Standard Bank is set to revolutionise the payment experience for international visitors in South Africa by introducing Dynamic Currency Conversion across over 16,000 ...

Youngtimers are revving up South Africa's classic car market

Ashley Lechman|Published

Discover how a new generation of collectors, fuelled by nostalgia, is transforming South Africa' s classic car market and redefining what it means to own a piece ...

Stretch every megabyte: Opera Mini keeps students online longer this exam season

Ashley Lechman|Published

Even with over 72% of the population owning a smartphone, high data costs continue to remain a major barrier, hampering digital adoption.

Standard Bank helped fuel South Africa’s booming travel spend

Ashley Lechman|Published

Standard Bank data showed that South Africans continued to travel in record numbers and the bank said it planned to make travel even more accessible through new ...

Green Seeds programme cultivated next wave of entrepreneurs in South Africa’s green economy

Ashley Lechman|Published

Ten black owned South African enterprises joined the 2025 Green Seeds Competition, a national accelerator driving sustainability, innovation and transformation in ...

South Africa’s greylist exit opened new doors for SMEs

Ashley Lechman|Published

Delisting restored confidence in South Africa’s financial system, unlocking fresh opportunities for small businesses to grow.

Food affordability worsened for South African families despite slowing inflation

Ashley Lechman|Published

The latest household affordability data showed food price increases continued to outpace wages for many families in October 2025.

South Africa escaped greylist, but consumers still carried heavy debt burdens

Ashley Lechman|Published

South Africa’s greylist exit boosted investor confidence, but households were still crushed by rising debt and high living costs.

Pricy heists from Paris to Pringle Bay raised alarms over protection of high value treasures

Ashley Lechman|Published

Sophisticated criminal networks appeared to be shifting their attention from high security jewellery stores to galleries, museums and private collectors as recent ...

Dr. Judey: The scientist redefining skincare through biotechnology

Ashley Lechman|Published

What began as a fascination with the human body’s cellular processes evolved into a pioneering biotechnology company focused on healing, regeneration, and confidence. ...