Ashley Lechman

Digital Editor

Growing more than poultry: how Nkadimeng Agri is feeding communities and changing lives in Mpumalanga

Ashley Lechman|Published

Driven by a mission to nourish both people and the planet, Nkadimeng is proving that ethical farming is the future of food security in South Africa.

Experts warn consumers need relief ahead of South Africa’s mid-term budget statement

Ashley Lechman|Published

As South Africa prepared for the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement, financial experts warned that bracket creep, stagnant tax-free savings limits, and high debt ...

South Africa braces for crucial Mid Term Budget as economists warn of growth downgrade

Ashley Lechman|Published

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana is set to deliver the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement on 12 November 2025, with economists warning of likely growth downgrades, ...

Finding healing through words: Amanda Nkuna’s journey with SpeechCraft Academy

Ashley Lechman|Published

As Mental Health Awareness Month began, entrepreneur Amanda Nkuna reflected on how finding your voice can be the first step toward healing and empowerment. Through ...

Sectional title boom sweeps KwaZulu-Natal as buyers embrace estate living

Ashley Lechman|Published

According to RE/MAX, more South Africans are recognising the lifestyle and financial benefits of shared ownership models, particularly in high-demand coastal estates. ...

Sleep Group: from a horse and cart to Southern Africa’s bedding giant

Ashley Lechman|Published

The story of Sleep Group began in 1939, when the Metz family established Metz Furniture, a modest operation supplying local retailers.

Conny Gwai’s KayGee’s Confections rises from lockdown kitchen table to heritage bakery with impact

Ashley Lechman|Published

What started as a kitchen table project during the uncertainty of lockdown grew into KayGee’s Confections, a bakery rooted in South African heritage and community ...

Alarm bells ring for South African consumers as festive season looms

Ashley Lechman|Published

As South Africans brace for a challenging festive season ahead, it is clear that the need for economic relief and job creation has never been more pressing. Without ...

Travel Generation: building Africa’s youth travel movement

Ashley Lechman|Published

Young South Africans are redefining travel through affordability and access. Shirley Phiri, founder of Travel Generation, is proving that you don’t need deep pockets ...

Consumers face cost-of-living squeeze as food and fuel prices remain high

Ashley Lechman|Published

Families face ongoing financial pressure as the latest Household Affordability Index shows minimal relief in food prices, petrol costs rise, and the Reserve Bank ...

Vanessa Pillay’s inspiring journey in the asset management industry

Ashley Lechman|Published

Vanessa Pillay’s inspiring rise in asset management shows how authenticity, resilience and mentorship are reshaping leadership in South Africa’s financial sector. ...

Reserve Bank keeps rates steady as consumers wait for relief

Ashley Lechman|Published

South Africans hoping for lower loan repayments will be disappointed as the Reserve Bank keeps rates unchanged. What this means for your bond, car finance and monthly ...

From architecture dreams to African luxury: The journey of Elegânté’s Noxolo Mseleku

Ashley Lechman|Published

From rejected architecture dreams to becoming a celebrated jewellery designer, Noxolo Mseleku turned setbacks into success with her luxury brand Elegânté. She shared ...

Mining revival and consumer spending lift South Africa’s growth

Ashley Lechman|Published

South Africa’s economy grew 0. 8% in the second quarter of 2025, driven by mining and consumer spending. Experts say the rebound offers hope, but warn that unemployment, ...

Instagram's iPad launch taps into South Africa's screen culture

Ashley Lechman|Published

Meta's latest Instagram for iPad aligns perfectly with South Africa's digital habits, presenting new opportunities for creators and businesses alike. Dive into how ...

From dust to dignity: how Elelwani Sophia Maphutha is building more than structures

Ashley Lechman|Published

The founder and managing director of Sophia Projects (Pty) Ltd, she is turning that vision into concrete change, proving that construction isn’t just about bricks ...

Achieve skills: building futures in the Northern Cape

Ashley Lechman|Published

She saw untapped human potential, thousands of young people whose futures were being stifled by lack of opportunity. That vision gave birth to Achieve Skills, a ...

Against the odds: KZN local’s transformative 15-year journey to graduation

Ashley Lechman|Published

In April this year, the 37-year-old celebrated both 15 years with the company and completing his Bachelor of Business Administration in Retail Management – an achievement ...

Financial crisis deepens for South African women, 40% being single mothers

Ashley Lechman|Published

More and more South African women, of whom 40% are single mothers, bravely carry the baton of financial responsibility for themselves and their families.

From outsider to industry influencer: Mirriam Fonang’s mission to transform mining from Postmasburg

Ashley Lechman|Published

With resilience and purpose, Fonang is leading the charge for women entrepreneurs in South Africa’s male-dominated mining sector.

ButtaNutt: from nut stall to national staple, Antoine van Heerden’s plant-based vision comes to life

Ashley Lechman|Published

For Antoine van Heerden, founder of ButtaNutt, the path from engineering student to food entrepreneur was shaped by family roots and a love for wholesome, local ...

Surfing the Trump tsunami: how tariffs are rocking, but not sinking South Africa

Ashley Lechman|Published

On Tuesday last week, the government submitted a revised trade offer to Washington in an effort to ease the blow.

Murendeni Nefale: rewriting South Africa’s literacy narrative with purpose and power

Ashley Lechman|Published

Chosen Epics, is a youth-led storytelling and literacy venture.

Fuel price rollercoaster continues to impact South African households

Ashley Lechman|Published

While petrol prices drop by 28 cents in August, the sharp increase in diesel costs threatens to worsen South Africa's economic strain. Experts warn that these mixed ...

Squirrel Away: the South African fintech app turning gifting into investment

Ashley Lechman|Published

Squirrel Away, a first-of-its-kind platform in the local market, offers a simple yet powerful alternative to traditional gifting: instead of toys or gift cards, ...