Ashley Lechman

Multimedia Journalist

Entrepreneurs can boost innovations with launch of the Orange Corners Innovation Fund

Ashley Lechman|Published

Whether it's a disruptive product, a revolutionary service, or a bold new business model, OCIF GROW is looking for ambitious entrepreneurs aged 18-35 anywhere in ...

KZN female entrepreneur revolutionises South Coast agriculture with mushroom farming

Ashley Lechman|Published

In the heart of KZN's South Coast, Asanda Mkhize is transforming traditional agriculture through her innovative mushroom farming venture. Despite having no prior ...

Experts concerned over 'tax creep' as interest rates remain the same

Ashley Lechman|Published

Tax bracket creep happens when your income goes up - usually because of inflation or a cost-of-living raise - but the government doesn't adjust the tax brackets ...

Experts concerned over 'tax creep' as interest rates remain the same

Ashley Lechman|Published

Tax bracket creep occurs when your salary increases due to inflation, but tax brackets are not adjusted accordingly.

Government delivers a fatal one-two punch to consumers

Ashley Lechman|Published

Sarb governor, Lesetja Kganyago said that four members preferred this action, while two favoured a cut of 25 basis points.

SA Reserve Bank keeps interest rates unchanged

Ashley Lechman|Published

Ahead of the governor's announcement it was widely predicted by economists and analysts that the Sarb would be keeping the rate unchanged.

Watch VideoWatch live: Sarb governor announces MPC decision on interest rates

Ashley Lechman|Published

Ahead of the governor's announcement it was widely predicted by economists and analysts that the Sarb would be keeping the rate unchanged.

FOMC holds interest rates steady, boosts market optimism

Ashley Lechman|Published

Investec economist, Annabel Bishop said that the committee's steadiness in monetary policy reflects a positive sentiment in the financial markets.

JSE breaks 90 000 points high buoyed by gold and improving investor sentiment

Ashley Lechman|Published

The Johannesburg Stock Exchange experiences a significant rally as investor confidence grows following the new budget and improved economic outlook.

CPI steady at 3. 2% in February as interest rate speculation grows

Ashley Lechman|Published

The annual consumer price inflation (CPI) remained unchanged from January’s level of 3. 2% in February.

Apartheid education and how the private sector can step up

Ashley Lechman|Published

This deliberate underinvestment has resulted in a critical shortage of skills in science, engineering, and all industries, harming South Africa’s long-term economic ...

Crafting a sustainable future: Nikki Robertson's Zulu Mien empowers women artisans through luxury jewelry

Ashley Lechman|Published

Nikki Robertson's journey with Zulu Mien is a testament to the potential of social enterprises in transforming lives while celebrating Africa's exquisite craftsmanship. ...

Property sector calls for transfer duties thresh hold to be raised

Ashley Lechman|Published

As South Africa's finance minister unveiled the 2025 National Budget, the property sector's response highlights a mix of optimism and disappointment. Will infrastructure ...

Godongwana shows complete contempt for ordinary people living in SA, Healthy Living Alliance says

Ashley Lechman|Published

“It is deeply disappointing that the minister missed an opportunity to increase  HPL to 20% to boost the fiscus and instead chose the option to rather increase VAT, ...

VAT hike: struggling South Africans brace for greater financial strain

Ashley Lechman|Published

Many households earning less than R8,000 per month often rely on relationships with neighbours and relatives, borrowing from them to bridge the gap before their ...

VAT increase will also effect property purchases

Ashley Lechman|Published

There are a number of VAT-inclusive services associated with the purchase of a home, for which buyers will need to allocate additional budget, which will impact ...

South Africa Wine condemns unfair excise tax decision

Ashley Lechman|Published

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana said in the 2025 Budget that government will impose more taxation on tobacco and alcohol products in the coming year.

Watch live: Minister Enoch Godongwana delivers 2025 budget speech

Ashley Lechman|Published

Watch the country's finance minister deliver his 2025 budget speech below.

From kitchen to skincare: Mulanga Muofhe's journey in natural products

Ashley Lechman|Published

Her company began in 2016, after harsh prescribed medications only worsened her dry skin condition, Mulanga turned to natural ingredients like shea butter and coconut ...

SA economy grows 0. 6% amid fuel price decreases, but consumers still struggle

Ashley Lechman|Published

South Africa's economy shows signs of recovery with 0. 6% GDP growth and fuel price decreases, but experts warn these improvements offer little relief to consumers ...

What a VAT hike would mean for SMEs

Ashley Lechman|Published

The VAT rate increase was part of the government's strategy to boost revenue, fund public sector wages, and enhance infrastructure development.

Official: South African fuel prices drop across the board for March

Ashley Lechman|Published

The department said that the adjustments were due to lower average oil prices when compared to the previous period, as well as a stronger rand against the dollar, ...

NEASA slams Labour Department over 'aggressive' audit practices

Ashley Lechman|Published

The National Employers' Association of South Africa has raised serious concerns over aggressive audit practices by firms appointed by the Department of Employment ...

South African households struggle with rising cost pressures amid inflation

Ashley Lechman|Published

February's Household Affordability Index raises concerns as South Africans brace for fuel price hikes and increasing living costs.

South African households face rising cost pressures

Ashley Lechman|Published

South African consumers face mounting pressure as inflation continues its upward trend, while the latest Household Affordability Index reveals mixed outcomes for ...