Ashley Lechman

Multimedia Journalist

Entrepreneur Kelebogile Mothelesi grows auto repair business and challenges industry stereotypes

Ashley Lechman|Published

A Northern Cape entrepreneur is transforming rural automotive repairs while creating jobs and breaking industry stereotypes.

Interest rate cut expectations wane as geopolitical tensions rise

Ashley Lechman|Published

As geopolitical tensions rise and oil prices soar, South Africa's interest rate outlook shifts dramatically. Discover why expectations for cuts have vanished and ...

Women entrepreneurs drive climate smart food security near iSimangaliso Wetland Park

Ashley Lechman|Published

Women entrepreneurs in northern KwaZulu Natal are building climate smart businesses that strengthen food security and community resilience.

How geopolitical tensions are affecting South African consumers

Ashley Lechman|Published

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is causing significant disruptions in global oil markets, leading to soaring fuel prices in South Africa. Airlines are raising ...

From taxi boss’s daughter to transport entrepreneur building an 18 vehicle fleet

Ashley Lechman|Published

Keotshepile Jonathan grew up as a taxi boss’s daughter. Today she leads a transport business built on resilience, discipline and a single calculated risk.

Iran's geopolitical tensions: a looming crisis for South African consumers

Ashley Lechman|Published

As the Iran conflict escalates and oil prices surge, South African consumers face increased financial strain, with rising fuel costs and economic uncertainty affecting ...

South Africa's 2026 Budget delivers relief but retains pressure on households

Ashley Lechman|Published

Discover the implications of South Africa's 2026 Budget on households. From unexpected tax relief to ongoing cost-of-living challenges, understand how this financial ...

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. ...

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 ...

Young farmer builds sustainable agribusiness to tackle food security and youth unemployment

Ashley Lechman|Published

Shauny and Donny founder Thembi Gwebu is proving that small scale agriculture can be profitable, modern and youth driven.

Fuel price drop offers little solace as South Africans struggle with rising costs

Ashley Lechman|Published

As South Africans celebrate a minor dent in fuel prices, the relentless tide of high living costs and debt presents an overwhelming reality. Unpacking the complexities ...

South African Reserve Bank leaves repo rate unchanged, burdening borrowers

Ashley Lechman|Published

South African borrowers face ongoing financial strain as the Reserve Bank held the repo rate steady at 6.75%. Experts weigh in on the implications for consumer spending ...

Sarb moves with caution, no rate cut predicted in January

Ashley Lechman|Published

Consumers can expect no reprieve from interest rate cuts this January, as the South African Reserve Bank (Sarb) maintains a cautious approach amid fluctuating inflation ...

The Rise of Sizwe Mpungose: the Sixty60 rider training thousands in safer riding skills

Ashley Lechman|Published

He delivers groceries by day and trains riders by night. Meet the young rider redefining road safety in South Africa.

Consumer confidence surges as South Africans prepare for festive spending

Ashley Lechman|Published

As the festive season approaches, consumer confidence in South Africa sees a significant boost, suggesting a promising period of spending ahead. Discover the latest ...

Financial lessons from 2025: Key insights for South Africans in 2026

Ashley Lechman|Published

South Africans are at a pivotal moment as they prepare for 2026. The financial lessons of 2025 provide a roadmap for navigating the economic landscape, encouraging ...

Young SA founder builds multi million rand global agency from a small Eastern Cape farm

Ashley Lechman|Published

From a small Eastern Cape farm to a global digital company worth millions this is the story of how Jadon Moerdyk built a powerhouse with no investors.

From big TVs to basic necessities: how South Africans approached Black Friday

Ashley Lechman|Published

South Africans have pivoted from purchasing big-ticket items during Black Friday to hunting for deals on essential groceries, as the ongoing cost-of-living crisis ...

Transforming brands through creativity: Sanele Makhato of Mandeza Kathu

Ashley Lechman|Published

Discover how Sanele Makhato is not just creating clothing but crafting identities and stories through his innovative branding solutions at Mandeza Kathu, where each ...

Repo rate cut provides much-needed relief for South African consumers

Ashley Lechman|Published

As South Africa's festive season approaches, the announcement of a 25 basis point cut in the repo rate brings much-needed relief for consumers grappling with rising ...

From mines to movement: how Thobile Skhosana is redefining worker protection in SA

Ashley Lechman|Published

After witnessing the human cost of unsafe workplaces, Thobile Skhosana built Itoro Group to protect, empower, and uplift South Africa’s workforce.

MTBPS 2025: consumers left wanting as mini-budget prioritises stability over relief

Ashley Lechman|Published

While Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s latest Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement painted an optimistic picture for the economy, consumers were left disappointed ...

KPMG economist says MTBPS lays the foundation for sustainable growth

Ashley Lechman|Published

KPMG South Africa’s Lead Economist, Frank Blackmore, said Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement struck the right chords, focusing ...