Ashley Lechman

Digital Editor

Starlink and South Africa: No exceptions in telecom regulation reform

Ashley Lechman|Published

The Association of Comms and Technology (ACT) has welcomed new directives from Minister Solly Malatsi aimed at aligning ICASA's regulations with the B-BBEE ICT Sector ...

Rising food prices choke South African households

Ashley Lechman|Published

South African families are increasingly burdened by soaring food prices, with many unable to afford basic nutrition as costs continue to rise dramatically. Discover ...

How South Africa is leading the charge in hybrid solar energy development

Ashley Lechman|Published

Explore how South Africa is transforming its energy landscape through hybrid solar solutions, enhancing grid stability and meeting net-zero commitments in the face ...

Eskort warns of food security crisis as chicken imports from Brazil prohibited

Ashley Lechman|Published

This ban, enacted by the Department of Agriculture on 15 May due to an avian flu outbreak in Brazil's Rio Grande Do Sul state, has raised urgent alarms within the ...

South Africa's Trusted Tour Operator Scheme boosts tourism with over 11 000 new digital visas

Ashley Lechman|Published

South Africa's Trusted Tour Operator Scheme has successfully issued over 11,000 digital visas to tourists from China and India, creating new jobs and streamlining ...

Introducing Instagram teen accounts in SA: enhancing safety online

Ashley Lechman|Published

This initiative is part of Meta’s broader commitment to ensuring safe, private, and positive online experiences for teens across Africa.

Pick n Pay launches new app, retailer's biggest milestone since launch of on-demand

Ashley Lechman|Published

The new app launched, designed for scale, integrates Pick n Pay asap!, Smart Shopper and value-added services into one app.

The commodore reshaping Africa’s energy landscape

Ashley Lechman|Published

Tokologo Phetla, a dynamic entrepreneur on a mission to reshape Africa's energy landscape. Discover how this 30-year-old CEO is tackling challenges in energy, logistics, ...

Understanding the impact of the latest budget on consumers

Ashley Lechman|Published

Experts weigh in on the recent government budget announcements, highlighting the implications of pension and social grant increases, VAT stability, and rising fuel ...

How a costly financial mistake inspired South Africa’s first flat-fee financial advice platform

Ashley Lechman|Published

A local entrepreneur is transforming personal financial advice with a new platform, just like Uber did for transport.

Underwhelming Budget, but at least we have one now, analyst says

Ashley Lechman|Published

South Africa's Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana presents Budget 3. 0, addressing a 75 billion deficit amid concerns over increased debt and reduced expenditure. ...

South Africa's budget 3. 0: A year of fiscal upheaval and strategic changes

Ashley Lechman|Published

As the months slip into May, the fiscal landscape continues to evolve, presenting both challenges and opportunities for the economy.

BUDGET: SA Canegrowers welcomes no increase in sugar tax

Ashley Lechman|Published

The association said it believes that Treasury should scrap the tax, to help ensure that government drives job creation and economic growth, as per its commitments ...

Cosatu critiques Finance Minister's Budget as insufficient for economic growth

Ashley Lechman|Published

Cosatu expresses concerns over Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana's Budget, highlighting the need for more support for low-income earners and a call for a national ...

Luxury shopping redefined: Glamorizta brings a personalised experience to Johannesburg

Ashley Lechman|Published

Discover how Glamorizta is transforming the luxury shopping experience in Johannesburg, bridging the gap between aspirational fashion and accessible style, and redefining ...

Enoch Godongwana preps for third budget presentation, without VAT hike

Ashley Lechman|Published

Enoch Godongwana, South Africa's Finance Minister, prepares for his third Budget Speech, this time without a VAT increase. Amid public discontent and political challenges, ...

Understanding the surge in South Africa's unemployment

Ashley Lechman|Published

Statistics South Africa reports a troubling rise in unemployment, now at 32. 9%, with significant implications for the economy and youth. Experts call for urgent ...

South Africa's budget 3. 0 predictions: tough choices lie ahead

Ashley Lechman|Published

Frank Blackmore, Lead Economist at KPMG South Africa, has highlighted a key takeaway: the anticipated increase in Value Added Tax (VAT) will no longer materialise, ...

World Union of Wholesale Markets Conference highlights Africa's role in global food security

Ashley Lechman|Published

Industry leaders and government officials gathered in Johannesburg for the World Union of Wholesale Markets Conference, focusing on Africa's pivotal role in global ...

No rate cut by SA Reserve Bank predicted in May

Ashley Lechman|Published

Despite inflation being the lowest it has been since June 2020, economists widely anticipate that the central bank will keep the repo rate unchanged in May.

Will the fuel cut really make a difference in the lives of SA consumers?

Ashley Lechman|Published

This past week the DMRE published the official fuel price adjustments that took effect on Wednesday, 7 May, announcing a cut in the price of petrol of 22 cents per ...

Cosatu extremely concerned about crises at Daybreak

Ashley Lechman|Published

Daybreak Foods grapples with severe financial difficulties, leading to a shocking culling of poultry and protests from unpaid workers. The company seeks assistance ...

How local SMEs can leverage cross-border e-commerce opportunities

Ashley Lechman|Published

The rise of cross-border e-commerce trade is unlocking new opportunities for South African businesses eager to expand their reach and revenue.

Real costs and implications of an unpredictable political landscape for SMEs

Ashley Lechman|Published

This month, Miguel da Silva, Group Executive: Business Banking at TymeBank, looked at the very real costs and implications of an unpredictable political landscape ...

South Africa's food prices rise sharply despite easing inflation

Ashley Lechman|Published

Despite a slight easing in inflation, South Africa's food prices have surged, leaving workers struggling to afford basic necessities.