Ashley Lechman

Multimedia Journalist

South African SMEs shift from survival mode to disciplined growth, Lula report finds

Ashley Lechman|Published

South African SMEs are becoming more strategic about growth, funding and cash flow management as business conditions improve, according to Lula's latest SME Pulse ...

FSCA warns South Africans against Fast Profit Income crypto and forex investment scheme

Ashley Lechman|Published

The FSCA has issued a public warning against Fast Profit Income, cautioning South Africans to be wary of investment offers promising returns of up to 200% and to ...

Global markets stabilise as Middle East tensions ease

Ashley Lechman|Published

As tensions in the Middle East ease, global markets are finding some ground. Join us as we explore the shifts in financial sentiment and what they mean for South ...

Meta deploys AI and new safety tools to protect World Cup fans and players

Ashley Lechman|Published

Meta has unveiled a series of new anti scam and online safety initiatives ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 as cybercriminals and online abusers increasingly target ...

South Africans are finding it easier to talk to AI about their debt

Ashley Lechman|Published

As household debt pressures mount, experts say AI voice agents are helping consumers navigate difficult financial conversations without the embarrassment often associated ...

Iran tensions and tech sell-off weigh down global markets

Ashley Lechman|Published

In a tumbling market landscape, investors are searching for stability as tensions rise in Iran and technology shares take a hit. Stay informed on the latest developments ...

Cosatu backs fresh South African Post Office leadership to revive struggling entity

Ashley Lechman|Published

COSATU says the appointment of a new South African Post Office board is a critical step towards restoring the state owned entity, while calling for the removal of ...

South African banks urged to overhaul fraud dispute processes as digital banking scams surge

Ashley Lechman|Published

South Africa's digital fraud crisis is exposing weaknesses in bank dispute processes, with industry experts calling for greater transparency and faster resolutions. ...

How Sekatebo Holdings grew from humble beginnings into a force in road construction

Ashley Lechman|Published

Raised in a small Northern Cape village, Shimmy Poloko turned firsthand experience of poor infrastructure into a thriving construction business dedicated to building ...

Fuel price pain persists despite economic bright spots, experts warn

Ashley Lechman|Published

KPMG forecasts stronger GDP growth for South Africa, but Debt Rescue says households are running out of options to absorb rising living expenses.

Critical illness claims surpass R1 billion as South Africans remain underinsured

Ashley Lechman|Published

New claims data reveals a significant protection gap among South Africans, with many insured against death but lacking cover for critical illnesses, disability and ...

More South Africans prioritise debt repayment and savings amid economic pressure

Ashley Lechman|Published

South Africans are becoming more cautious with their money as rising fuel prices, electricity tariffs and inflation continue to squeeze household budgets, according ...

South Africa’s next generation is entering the credit market under strain

Ashley Lechman|Published

South Africa’s youth are borrowing more to survive rising living costs, but experts warn that limited income and high unemployment are creating a fragile financial ...

How much should I budget for maintenance costs?

Ashley Lechman|Published

Proactive budgeting for home maintenance can save you from unexpected repair costs and preserve your property's value. Discover how to effectively plan your maintenance ...

Fake tickets, phishing and QR scams top FIFA World Cup cyber risks for South Africans

Ashley Lechman|Published

As the FIFA World Cup kicks off on 11 June, cybersecurity experts are warning South African fans that scammers are already exploiting the global sporting spectacle. ...

Supreme Court of Appeal reins in SARS search and seizure powers

Ashley Lechman|Published

A landmark Supreme Court of Appeal ruling has confirmed that SARS cannot use overly broad search warrants, reinforcing taxpayer rights and the importance of lawful ...

AI jitters and geopolitical uncertainty drag global markets lower

Ashley Lechman|Published

South African markets ended lower as weakness in mining and technology stocks combined with fresh concerns over AI demand and global geopolitical risks.

Petshop Science offers access to free insurance cover as unexpected vet bills bite

Ashley Lechman|Published

Petshop Science has launched South Africa's first retail linked free pet insurance benefit, offering accidental cover worth up to R10 000 for qualifying customers. ...

Fuel price volatility is adding a new layer of pressure for South Africa's SMEs

Ashley Lechman|Published

South Africa's latest fuel price changes are creating fresh challenges for SMEs as transport costs, exchange rates and cross border trade pressures collide.

TikTok removes more than 1.1 million videos in South Africa as platform tightens online Safety measures

Ashley Lechman|Published

TikTok has removed more than 1.1 million videos and over 520 000 suspected underage accounts in South Africa as it ramps up efforts to combat harmful online content. ...

Newton Park SPAR shopper turns grocery run into dream car victory

Ashley Lechman|Published

After shopping at the same SUPERSPAR for more than two decades, Chantal Ashington has driven away with a limited edition Hyundai Exter thanks to SPAR's national ...

Middle East tensions weigh on global markets, S&P 500 dips

Ashley Lechman|Published

As global markets react to ongoing geopolitical issues, investors brace for vital economic indicators that may influence the path forward. With tensions in the Middle ...

Amazon launches Prime in SA offering free delivery, entertainment and gaming benefits

Ashley Lechman|Published

Amazon is strengthening its position in South Africa with the launch of Prime, bringing its globally popular membership programme and first local Prime Day event ...

Why using less electricity no longer guarantees lower power bills in South Africa

Ashley Lechman|Published

South Africans are paying more for electricity despite using less, as rising fixed charges and municipal tariffs create a new affordability crisis, according to ...

US proposes 10% tariffs on imports as Wall Street continues its record rally

Ashley Lechman|Published

This latest series of events highlights the delicate balancing act that emerges in international trade and economic policy. As tariffs loom and financial markets ...