Ashley Lechman

Multimedia Journalist

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.

Entrepreneurs provide the earliest warning signs of South Africa's economy, says Citadel

Ashley Lechman|Published

South African entrepreneurs are experiencing economic pressures long before they appear in official data, with cash flow constraints, rising costs and policy uncertainty ...

Red tape is choking SME growth as compliance costs climb in South Africa

Ashley Lechman|Published

A growing regulatory burden is making it harder for South African entrepreneurs to expand their businesses and create jobs, with experts calling for urgent reforms. ...

Chery's investment in South Africa: Local production of Tiggo 4 Cross set for 2027

Ashley Lechman|Published

Chery South Africa has announced plans to begin local production of the Tiggo 4 Cross in 2027, following the acquisition of a manufacturing plant from Nissan. This ...

Consumer trust lifts Woolworths Food to top of South Africa's most recommended brands list

Ashley Lechman|Published

New research shows South Africans are most likely to recommend Woolworths Food, highlighting the growing importance of customer advocacy and trust.

Brent crude holds above $80 as geopolitical tensions continue to drive inflation concerns

Ashley Lechman|Published

Global oil markets are moving faster than physical supply conditions, leaving inflation risks elevated despite signs of easing tensions in the Middle East.

African Trade is growing despite the obstacles

Ashley Lechman|Published

Businesses are expanding across Africa but fragmented payment systems, foreign exchange challenges and liquidity constraints continue to slow trade, according to ...

Manufacturing SMEs urged to rethink funding as AI adoption accelerates

Ashley Lechman|Published

Manufacturing businesses are embracing AI, but industry experts say funding models must evolve to support digital transformation and improve competitiveness.

Oil prices surge as renewed US and Iran tensions fuel supply fears

Ashley Lechman|Published

Renewed conflict between the United States and Iran has reignited fears over global oil supplies, with analysts warning crude prices could remain elevated through ...

PIC names CFO Batandwa Damoyi acting CEO as governance crisis deepens

Ashley Lechman|Published

The Public Investment Corporation has appointed CFO Batandwa Damoyi as acting CEO following Patrick Dlamini's precautionary suspension as governance concerns continue ...

Free State farm invests in South Africa's largest off grid agricultural solar and battery system

Ashley Lechman|Published

Belle Rive Farm is building South Africa's largest off grid agricultural solar and battery system, aiming to secure uninterrupted power for more than 2,000 hectares ...

Softer US CPI fuels optimism in global markets

Ashley Lechman|Published

A softer-than-expected US CPI data has led to a positive outlook in global markets, lifting both the S&P 500 and Asian indices. Read on to find out how geopolitical ...

Rising oil prices spark inflation concerns as Middle East conflict intensifies

Ashley Lechman|Published

Brent crude climbed to $86.65 a barrel on Tuesday as renewed conflict between the US and Iran heightened fears of supply disruptions and inflation.

Mounting calls for greater accountability and further investigation at the PIC

Ashley Lechman and Yogashen Pillay|Published

" Trade unions and political leaders respond to the precautionary suspension of PIC CEO Patrick Dlamini, highlighting concerns over governance and the management ...

Diesel minibus emissions raise alarm as new study finds Johannesburg residents face growing air pollution risk

Ashley Lechman|Published

A new emissions study found diesel minibuses are contributing disproportionately to air pollution in Johannesburg, with experts calling for urgent policy interventions ...

PIC governance crisis deepens as DA calls for parliamentary intervention

Ashley Lechman|Published

The Democratic Alliance has called for urgent parliamentary hearings after the Public Investment Corporation suspended its chief executive and acting chief investment ...

Markets hold their breath as US-Iran tensions escalate with oil price surging to $84 per barrel

Ashley Lechman|Published

In a climate of escalating geopolitical tensions and key economic indicators on the horizon, global markets brace for impact. What do these developments mean for ...

How to tell whether you're using AI productively or just more frequently

Ashley Lechman|Published

AI can save time, but experts warned that relying on it without critical thinking could weaken essential workplace skills.

South African firms urged to rethink cyber security as AI accelerates attacks

Ashley Lechman|Published

As AI capabilities continue to evolve, experts warned that South African companies cannot rely on regulation alone and must invest in continuous cyber defence.

Oil surge and Middle East tensions keep investors on edge despite recent market gains

Ashley Lechman|Published

Financial markets entered the week cautiously after renewed conflict in the Middle East revived concerns over oil supplies, inflation and global interest rates.

Shoprite's AI, Pixie, reaches 98% adoption among Sixty60 members

Ashley Lechman|Published

Millions of personalised shopping interactions and a customer completing a R1 500 grocery order in just 15 seconds highlight the growing role of artificial intelligence ...

Middle East tensions could push fuel prices and interest rates higher in South Africa

Ashley Lechman|Published

Investment experts warned that renewed tensions in the Middle East could push up fuel prices, weaken the rand and increase the likelihood of another interest rate ...

Wind farm partnership helps grow food security and small businesses in the Eastern Cape

Ashley Lechman|Published

From household food gardens to enterprise development, communities surrounding EDF's Eastern Cape wind farms are seeing new opportunities take root through a programme ...

South Africans feel the squeeze as economy faces another challenging week

Ashley Lechman|Published

Lower fuel prices offered welcome relief, but slowing economic activity, weaker business confidence and global uncertainty continued to weigh on South African households ...