Ashley Lechman

Multimedia Journalist

US-Iran tensions rattle Asian markets as peace talks teeter

Ashley Lechman|Published

As nations navigate through these tumultuous times, investors and ordinary citizens alike are left asking: what lies ahead for international relations and how will ...

Micro influencers are reshaping shopping as TikTok turns creators into sales drivers

Ashley Lechman|Published

TikTok is transforming product discovery, with millions of users researching and buying products after seeing them featured by creators.

Eastern Cape entrepreneur turns traditional bone broth into a rural jobs and wellness business

Ashley Lechman|Published

From a home kitchen in Nxarhuni to a vision for a rural manufacturing hub, Rural Impaqt Bone Broth is building a business rooted in heritage, sustainability and ...

Nearly half of South Africans fear they cannot survive another interest rate increase

Ashley Lechman|Published

South African households are increasingly anxious about rising borrowing costs, with many expecting more interest rate increases before the end of the year.

Cape Town entrepreneur’s Mexican inspired sweets achieve rapid growth through Checkers partnership

Ashley Lechman|Published

A trip to Mexico inspired Cape Town entrepreneur Claire Swanson to create ARK Provisions, a colourful confectionery brand now flying off Checkers shelves.

Businesses urged to rethink forex strategies as currency volatility becomes the new normal

Ashley Lechman|Published

Geopolitical shocks and central bank decisions are reshaping currency markets within hours, making foreign exchange management a critical business priority.

US markets see mixed performance as tech concerns ease and futures rise

Ashley Lechman|Published

Wall Street sees a turn of fortune as Micron's impressive results ease tech concerns, while the global commodities landscape shifts dramatically. Discover how these ...

From home kitchen to SPAR shelves: Simply Deli founder’s journey of resilience and reinvention

Ashley Lechman|Published

After receiving a life changing business opportunity, Yolande Buckley transformed her passion for food into Simply Deli, a proudly South African brand now reaching ...

Oil prices stabilise near $75 as markets weigh Iran peace deal and future supply

Ashley Lechman|Published

Global oil markets are moving from fears of supply shortages to concerns about oversupply, but analysts warn geopolitical risks could keep prices elevated.

LIFT expands flight payment options with Apple Pay, Google Pay and cryptocurrency

Ashley Lechman|Published

From digital wallets to crypto, LIFT is changing how South Africans pay for flights as consumer demand for faster and more flexible payment solutions grows.

Markets retreat amid widespread sell-off, Asia shows signs of recovery

Ashley Lechman|Published

In a troubling day for global markets, South Africa's rand shows resilience despite mounting pressures, while Asia hints at recovery. Will the tide turn back in ...

Beyond unemployment: South Africa’s youth are working, saving and chasing entrepreneurial dreams

Ashley Lechman|Published

South Africa’s young consumer class is facing a difficult economic journey, but new research reveals resilience, ambition and a strong desire to create better futures. ...

Unexpected opportunity to industry leader: Dineo Glomane builds engineering company from the ground up

Ashley Lechman|Published

Dineo Glomane transformed an unexpected career path into a thriving automotive business that now services everything from passenger vehicles to heavy equipment while ...

Limpopo women farmers grow thriving businesses and create jobs through agriculture

Ashley Lechman|Published

Petunia Molea and Vhengani Ndou have transformed their passion for farming into growing enterprises that create jobs, support local communities and contribute to ...

Lower oil prices may ease inflation pressure, but households should not expect immediate relief

Ashley Lechman|Published

Falling global oil prices and a stronger rand are improving the inflation outlook, although debt experts warn consumers may wait months before seeing meaningful ...

Federal Reserve's bold stance shifts market dynamics

Ashley Lechman|Published

The Federal Reserve's hawkish turn sparks a whirlwind of market shifts, with the US Dollar surging while Asian indices hit new heights. Discover how these developments ...

US and Iran peace framework signals major shift for global oil markets and trade

Ashley Lechman|Published

A sweeping memorandum between the US and Iran could end months of conflict, reopen critical shipping routes and pave the way for hundreds of billions of dollars ...

Gold holds above $4,300 as mining stocks rally on JSE after US and Iran peace deal

Ashley Lechman|Published

The combination of falling oil prices, a stronger rand and elevated gold prices has created a complex backdrop for investors as markets assess the economic implications ...

Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo joins consortium behind Kenya airport upgrade

Ashley Lechman|Published

Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo has secured a role in one of Africa's largest infrastructure projects after his company joined a consortium awarded the $2.9 ...

Markets sentiment rise as Iran-US deal looms and Fed rate decision awaited

Ashley Lechman|Published

With optimism sparked by geopolitical developments and critical economic data on the horizon, investors are bracing for potential market movements. The stage is ...

SAPVIA welcomes Eskom Green launch but calls for fair access to limited grid capacity

Ashley Lechman|Published

SAPVIA has welcomed the launch of Eskom Green, saying the new renewable energy business could accelerate investment and strengthen South Africa's energy security ...

Youth Day spotlight: Building hope and opportunity in the Eastern Cape

Ashley Lechman|Published

With youth unemployment in the Eastern Cape sitting at 54%, EduSport founder Jono Kruger believes opportunity, mentorship and sport can help transform lives and ...

Power stability fuels SME optimism as seasonal trade falls short, survey finds

Ashley Lechman|Published

Nearly three quarters of South African SMEs say improved electricity reliability boosted their operations, while festive season trading delivered little financial ...

Peace deal sparks global market rally but oil market recovery may take months

Ashley Lechman|Published

Global markets rallied and oil prices fell sharply after the US and Iran agreed to a framework aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, but analysts warn the road ...

Woolworths phases out MySchool and WRewards as MyDifference reshapes customer loyalty

Ashley Lechman|Published

Following the end of its long running WRewards and MySchool programmes, Woolworths is placing data driven personalisation and digital engagement at the centre of ...