Ashley Lechman

Multimedia Journalist

South African consumers brace for fuel price hikes amid cost-of-living crisis

Ashley Lechman|Published

South African consumers are facing a financial storm as fuel prices are set to rise in May, exacerbating the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and food inflation, with ...

From staff to co owners: Thuli and Precious lead WAXIT micro franchise launch

Ashley Lechman|Published

Long serving WAXIT employees Thuli Ngwenya and Precious Matabane are now co owners of the brand’s first micro franchise store in Johannesburg.

From garage startup to mining supplier: Mahlatse Lekwadu’s inspiring journey

Ashley Lechman|Published

Discover how Mahlatse Lekwadu, a determined entrepreneur from Limpopo, overcame significant barriers to establish Magadine Business Enterprise, a thriving mining ...

Economic turmoil: how global conflicts are affecting South African consumers

Ashley Lechman|Published

South African consumers are grappling with severe financial pressures as the ongoing US-Iran conflict exacerbates fuel prices and inflation. A recent survey reveals ...

How JNR and Family is redefining convenience and community retail in township South Africa

Ashley Lechman|Published

In the face of rising costs and load shedding, one township entrepreneur is reshaping local retail through innovation and resilience.

Fuel price hikes and inflation: The looming financial crisis for South Africans

Ashley Lechman|Published

South African consumers face a financial storm due to escalating tensions between the US and Iran, with rising fuel prices and inflation threatening economic stability. ...

From passion to purpose: How ZEE’S BEAUTHOPIA is transforming beauty in Postmasburg

Ashley Lechman|Published

Zenia van der Westhuizen is redefining beauty in Postmasburg by blending personalised service with community upliftment

South African economy finds relief amid US-Iran ceasefire

Ashley Lechman|Published

US President Donald Trump's announcement of a two-week ceasefire with Iran offers a glimmer of hope for the South African economy, potentially easing fuel prices ...

From Cape Town to the world how Caffenu built a global coffee care brand

Ashley Lechman|Published

Judy Isaacman shares how a simple idea turned into a global brand serving millions of coffee lovers

Rising fuel prices spark urgent conversations on workplace flexibility and further interventions

Ashley Lechman|Published

As South Africans face unprecedented fuel and electricity price hikes, the urgent need for workplace flexibility and effective interventions becomes clear. How will ...

North Industry founder Saina Titus turns passion for baking into a growing creative business

Ashley Lechman|Published

Saina Titus shares how passion, creativity and resilience helped launch North Industry in a tough economy

Consumer strain as Sarb keeps interest rates steady

Ashley Lechman|Published

As tensions flare in the Middle East, the South African Reserve Bank's decision to maintain interest rates highlights the nation's economic vulnerability and the ...

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 ...