Ashley Lechman

Multimedia Journalist

South Africa's 2026 national budget: A return to traditional fiscal policy

Ashley Lechman|Published

Explore how South Africa's 2026 National Budget marks a return to fiscal tradition, with key adjustments for individuals and small businesses while signalling a ...

South Africa’s budget fails to address immediate consumer financial crisis

Ashley Lechman|Published

As South Africa faces rising household costs, the 2026 National Budget is met with disappointment. Find out why industry experts are calling for more immediate relief ...

Budget 2026: Tax reforms offer vital relief for small businesses in South Africa

Ashley Lechman|Published

Discover how the 2026 Budget's tax reforms, driven by insights from over 1,200 small business owners, aim to provide crucial relief and support for South Africa's ...

Watch VideoWatch live: Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana delivers 2026 budget

Ashley Lechman|Published

Join us as South Africa's Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana delivers the 2026 Budget Speech, unveiling crucial fiscal policies that will shape the nation's economic ...

Investing in digital infrastructure is crucial for South Africa's budgetary resilience

Ashley Lechman|Published

As South Africa prepares for its national budget, Vuyani Jarana advocates for a bold investment in digital infrastructure that promises to transform education, healthcare, ...

All eyes on Enoch Godongwana's budget: insights for consumers

Ashley Lechman|Published

As South Africa gears up for its vital budget, what can consumers expect? Experts weigh in on potential tax implications, infrastructure investments, and the need ...

Will South Africa's 2026 budget provide relief for struggling workers?

Ashley Lechman|Published

As South Africa braces for the National Budget Speech, workers are left wondering if this year's budget will truly address their pressing economic challenges. With ...

How the 2026 Budget affects South African families

Ashley Lechman|Published

With South Africa's Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, set to deliver the 2026 Budget Speech, the focus shifts to the real-life implications for families grappling ...

South Africa's 2026 Budget Speech: A hope for economic recovery?

Ashley Lechman|Published

With South Africa's Minister of Finance set to deliver the 2026 Budget Speech, citizens are eager for signs of fiscal relief amid rising costs and a growing credit ...

Wearables and IoT rise, but smartphones remain the central hub of connectivity

Ashley Lechman|Published

In a world where technology constantly evolves, discover why smartphones remain at the heart of our digital lives, connecting us to everything from fitness trackers ...

From Bolt driver to mobility founder: how Lupa Township Delivery is scaling hyper local logistics

Ashley Lechman|Published

As a former Bolt driver operating in Gauteng townships, Kamogelo Lucas quickly realised that South Africa’s mobility systems were not designed with township realities ...

Budget 2026 preview signals fiscal discipline and infrastructure push

Ashley Lechman|Published

With the national Budget Speech just days away, leading tax and economic experts outline why 2026 could mark a year of realism, reform and renewed investor confidence. ...

How high monthly repayments and interest rates are affecting home buyers

Ashley Lechman|Published

Despite high interest rates in 2026, signs of recovering buyer confidence emerge as lending conditions improve.

Clover SA warns of dairy industry crisis due to inconsistent FMD control measures

Ashley Lechman|Published

Clover SA issues a stark warning about the looming crisis in South Africa’s dairy industry, blaming inconsistent FMD measures for jeopardising exports and threatening ...

Earning on TikTok: Alternatives for South African creators without the creator fund

Ashley Lechman|Published

Despite criticism for not offering a creator fund in South Africa, TikTok reveals multiple ways local creators can monetise their content.

Will the R100 spirits tax push consumers to the black market?

Ashley Lechman|Published

This upcoming Budget Speech could reshape the South African alcohol market. With a potential R100 spirits tax looming, will consumers turn to cheaper, illicit options? ...

Discover SendMePls: The new South African app revolutionising shopping and delivery

Ashley Lechman|Published

Explore how SendMePls is reshaping the shopping landscape in South Africa by offering a unique delivery service that empowers local communities and tackles unemployment. ...

The disconnect: why South Africa's SMEs are not benefiting from economic growth

Ashley Lechman|Published

Despite positive macroeconomic signals, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa are experiencing declining confidence levels. Delve into the latest SME ...

Markets bounce back as AI shares find support amidst economic optimism

Ashley Lechman|Published

As global markets react to shifting economic winds, AI shares rebound amid increasing investor optimism, while the rand faces pressures as the dollar strengthens. ...

Franchising remains a resilient option for SMEs in 2026

Ashley Lechman|Published

As 2026 unfolds, South Africa's franchise sector emerges as a resilient pathway for small businesses, providing structured opportunities amidst economic challenges. ...

TikTok removes 920,000 videos in South Africa to enhance user safety

Ashley Lechman|Published

In an unprecedented move to boost user safety, TikTok has removed over 920,000 videos in South Africa as part of its dedication to community well-being. Discover ...

SA Reserve bank proposes reforming loan pricing by replacing prime lending rate with repo rate

Ashley Lechman|Published

Will South African borrowers benefit from a clearer and potentially cheaper loan pricing system? Discover how the SARB's proposal to switch from the prime lending ...

Infrastructure overhaul and SME funding crucial for unlocking South Africa's trade potential

Ashley Lechman|Published

Against the backdrop of economic uncertainty, South Africa’s latest State of the Nation Address reveals a policy blueprint that prioritises trade and SMEs. But will ...

Watch VideoA family business rising to national prominence as it feeds South Africa

Ashley Lechman|Published

Discover the inspiring journey of Botselo Mills, a family business that has transformed from a local maize supplier into a national player, ensuring food security ...

Economic analysts offer mixed but hopeful assessments of the 2026 Sona

Ashley Lechman|Published

This year's SONA has sparked a necessary conversation about governance in South Africa, blending hope for new initiatives with a realistic critique of the systemic ...