Ashley Lechman

Multimedia Journalist

Rhino Energy powers sustainable waste management with new solar plant

Ashley Lechman|Published

A new renewable energy project in KwaZulu Natal is expected to generate more than 826 MWh of clean electricity annually, reinforcing the role of private investment ...

Iran's attack on US reignites Middle East tensions and rattles global markets

Ashley Lechman|Published

As tensions soar following Iran's recent attack on the US, global markets react with mixed messages. Will today's Federal Reserve meeting provide the guidance needed ...

Former Calgro M3 leaders expand into hospitality with Paarl boutique hotel

Ashley Lechman|Published

Former Calgro M3 executives Wikus Lategan and Wayne Williams have expanded into hospitality with the launch of Zomerlust Boutique Hotel and SMEUL Restaurant in Paarl, ...

Big tech earnings spark market jitters as investors brace for uncertainty

Ashley Lechman|Published

With AI stock valuations under scrutiny and critical economic decisions looming, investors are bracing for a week that could redefine market trajectories. Stay tuned ...

Border delays threaten SA's trade ambitions as congestion costs economy up to R16 billion a year

Ashley Lechman|Published

New research has revealed that South Africa's congested border posts are costing the economy up to R16 billion annually, with experts warning that inefficient crossings ...

Iran US talks lift rand and calm markets after Sarb rate decision

Ashley Lechman|Published

The rand strengthened on Monday as easing tensions between the United States and Iran, combined with a weaker US dollar, boosted investor sentiment following last ...

Essential oils sector could unlock jobs and industrialisation, says the dtic

Ashley Lechman|Published

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition says South Africa's essential oils industry has the potential to create jobs, strengthen manufacturing and boost ...

Iran-US negotiations spark optimism in global markets

Ashley Lechman|Published

With Iran and the US resuming negotiations, global markets are reacting. Discover how this diplomatic breakthrough is influencing stock performance, oil prices, ...

Interest rate hold provides relief, but oil prices pose inflation threat

Ashley Lechman|Published

The South African Reserve Bank kept interest rates unchanged, with economists and property experts saying the decision provides certainty while warning that volatile ...

SA Reserve Bank holds rates steady but inflation continues to squeeze consumers

Ashley Lechman|Published

While borrowers avoided another interest rate increase, consumers remain trapped by high debt repayments, soaring prices and stagnant incomes, according to Debt ...

Every rand counts as South Africans urged to outsmart retail marketing tactics

Ashley Lechman|Published

From store layouts to limited time promotions, retailers use a range of strategies to influence shopping habits. Experts explain how consumers can avoid overspending. ...

Cosatu calls for urgent PIC board appointments as pension fund assets reach R3.6 trillion

Ashley Lechman|Published

Cosatu has called for the urgent appointment of a new PIC board while demanding that corruption investigations continue to protect workers' pension savings.

Oil tops $100 as Middle East tensions rattle markets after Sarb rate decision

Ashley Lechman|Published

Brent crude climbed above $100 a barrel as renewed attacks in the Middle East intensified supply concerns, sending global markets lower and adding fresh pressure ...

Wall Street’s cautious stance mirrors global market movements as oil climbs to $96 per barrel

Ashley Lechman|Published

Watch as global markets respond to the intricacies of corporate earnings and geopolitical strife, with significant implications for investors worldwide.

Inflation surprise puts Sarb in the spotlight as property leaders warn against another rate increase

Ashley Lechman|Published

South Africa's inflation has surged to 5% in June, surpassing forecasts and intensifying speculation about a potential interest rate hike by the Sarb, as economists ...

Technology rebound lifts markets, but geopolitical tensions loom

Ashley Lechman|Published

Stay informed about the latest market movements as a rebound in the technology sector offers hope, but underlying geopolitical tensions may pose challenges ahead. ...

Africa's largest hybrid renewable energy project comes online in Northern Cape

Ashley Lechman|Published

The Hydra project combines a 216 MW solar plant with a 500 MWh battery storage system, marking a major milestone in South Africa's energy transition and energy security ...

Oil surge keeps markets on edge as economists warn of possible rate hike

Ashley Lechman|Published

Brent crude climbed above $90 a barrel on Tuesday afternoon as renewed conflict between the United States and Iran heightened inflation risks, with economists warning ...

South Africa's digital factory ambitions risk leaving workers behind

Ashley Lechman|Published

As South Africa accelerates its manufacturing modernisation strategy, experts warn that digitalising factories without equipping workers with the right information ...

Brent crude climbs above $90 as oil risks complicate Sarb rate outlook

Ashley Lechman|Published

Rising oil prices and renewed conflict in the Middle East have complicated the South African Reserve Bank's interest rate decision this week, with investment experts ...

Watch VideoJamie Oliver surprises Cape Town parents with cooking tips to solve dinner dilemmas

Ashley Lechman|Published

Parents at a Cape Town school received the surprise of a lifetime when Jamie Oliver joined them for a cooking session to launch Checkers' new Dinner Done Better ...

Market volatility continues amid geopolitical uncertainty

Ashley Lechman|Published

In a week filled with uncertainty, find out how global markets are reacting to geopolitical tensions and tech stock fluctuations, and what this could mean for your ...

Middle East conflict puts July rate decision under pressure as inflation risks mount

Ashley Lechman|Published

Escalating conflict in the Persian Gulf and rising oil prices have prompted economists to warn that the South African Reserve Bank may raise interest rates again ...

Proposed beer excise changes could raise tax on most beers by 20%, industry warns

Ashley Lechman|Published

The Beer Association of South Africa has warned that proposed changes to alcohol excise policy could increase taxes on most beers by 20% while driving more consumers ...

Expected fuel price relief offers motorists breathing room but economists warn global risks remain

Ashley Lechman|Published

South Africans are expected to pay less for fuel in August, but economists warn that global oil market volatility could quickly reverse the relief.