Ashley Lechman

Digital Editor

South Africa's Q2 GDP growth brings cautious optimism amidst consumer pressure

Ashley Lechman|Published

In a landscape where the economy shows signs of growth, South African households continue to grapple with rising costs and joblessness. Neil Roets unpacks the current ...

Cybersecurity training needs urgent overhaul

Ashley Lechman|Published

While 86% of organisations now train employees at least quarterly to identify and report threats, a significant 43% still cite lack of employee awareness as their ...

Instagram's iPad launch taps into South Africa's screen culture

Ashley Lechman|Published

Meta's latest Instagram for iPad aligns perfectly with South Africa's digital habits, presenting new opportunities for creators and businesses alike. Dive into how ...

Woolworths unveils innovative Ballito Food Market, setting new standards for grocery shopping

Ashley Lechman|Published

Discover how Woolworths is transforming the grocery shopping experience with their newly launched Ballito Food Market, featuring fresh innovations and a commitment ...

FNB eBucks dominates 2025 South African Loyalty Awards with six wins

Ashley Lechman|Published

Now in its seventh year, these awards focus on honouring not just performance but the overarching creativity and strategic prowess within customer relationship management ...

Walmart set to launch first stores in South Africa, celebrating local suppliers

Ashley Lechman|Published

Walmart’s entrance into South Africa marks a new chapter in retail for the continent, with a focus on localisation, affordability, and sustainability, positioning ...

Calling all young innovators: Joburg and Cape Town entrepreneurs offered support and funding

Ashley Lechman|Published

Embark on your entrepreneurial journey today with the Orange Corners Designs Incubation Programme! Unlock the potential of your innovative ideas while contributing ...

US employment slump paves the way for imminent Fed rate cuts

Ashley Lechman|Published

The latest employment figures from the US suggest potential rate cuts from the Fed, but economic indicators reveal a complex scenario. Discover insights from Schroders’ ...

From dust to dignity: how Elelwani Sophia Maphutha is building more than structures

Ashley Lechman|Published

The founder and managing director of Sophia Projects (Pty) Ltd, she is turning that vision into concrete change, proving that construction isn’t just about bricks ...

Interest rates expected to hold steady in September as inflation pressures linger

Ashley Lechman|Published

South Africans hoping for more interest rate relief may need to wait a little longer. With inflation edging higher and global uncertainty in play, experts expect ...

South African consumers still captivated by the allure of the big screen

Ashley Lechman|Published

In a world dominated by streaming services and small screens, the South African consumer class proves their love for cinema is alive and thriving. Discover the compelling ...

Petrol price cut unlikely to ease food price pressures

Ashley Lechman|Published

While the petrol cut offers limited relief to motorists, it is the diesel decrease that carries the greatest significance for South Africa, a country where nearly ...

South African small businesses celebrate their business successes like no other country

Ashley Lechman|Published

With 92% of respondents indicating that they currently celebrate or plan to celebrate their milestones, South Africa stands at the forefront of recognising achievements, ...

National Consumer Commission orders vehicle recalls for Ford, BMW, Volkswagen, and Hino in South Africa

Ashley Lechman|Published

This recall serves as a crucial reminder for vehicle owners to stay informed about potential safety issues. The safety of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike ...

Achieve skills: building futures in the Northern Cape

Ashley Lechman|Published

She saw untapped human potential, thousands of young people whose futures were being stifled by lack of opportunity. That vision gave birth to Achieve Skills, a ...

Against the odds: KZN local’s transformative 15-year journey to graduation

Ashley Lechman|Published

In April this year, the 37-year-old celebrated both 15 years with the company and completing his Bachelor of Business Administration in Retail Management – an achievement ...

Financial crisis deepens for South African women, 40% being single mothers

Ashley Lechman|Published

More and more South African women, of whom 40% are single mothers, bravely carry the baton of financial responsibility for themselves and their families.

FNB warns against fraudulent business account schemes targeting non-residents

Ashley Lechman|Published

With the threat of fraud on the rise, FNB is taking strong measures to protect its brand integrity and its customers. Discover how you can safeguard your business ...

South Africa's counterfeit luxury goods surge outsmarts AI tools

Ashley Lechman|Published

In an era where counterfeit products are increasingly sophisticated, shoppers must remain vigilant and informed. As the line between genuine and fake becomes less ...

Shoprite Group opens its 500th Usave store in South Africa, expanding access to affordable essentials

Ashley Lechman|Published

Shoprite Group has opened its 500th Usave store in Hopefield, marking a significant milestone in the journey towards providing affordable essentials to underserved ...

Small print, big impact: Why SMEs can’t afford to miss the details

Ashley Lechman|Published

Just as avoiding regular dental check-ups can lead to painful consequences, ignoring the small print in legal agreements can cost businesses more than they bargain ...

Shoprite Group opens 16 new stores and creates 358 jobs in just one week

Ashley Lechman|Published

The latest addition to the retail giant’s portfolio, which opened its doors on 31 July, is the flagship Checkers Fresh X located at the prestigious Hyde Park Corner ...

South African households still struggling as food affordability crisis persists

Ashley Lechman|Published

South African households are spending less on food but still can’t afford basic nutrition. The August 2025 Household Affordability Index shows food prices eased ...

Pick n Pay’s SMME sales surge 44% as supplier development gains momentum

Ashley Lechman|Published

The latest SMME Supplier Conference at Pick n Pay highlights the transformative power of local businesses, revealing a path of growth and innovation that benefits ...

SHEIN launches new feature to display customs fees before checkout

Ashley Lechman|Published

SHEIN has introduced a new feature allowing South African customers to view estimated customs duties and taxes before completing their purchase, eliminating unexpected ...