Ashley Lechman

Digital Editor

New inflation target and debt commitment bolster South Africa's post-grey list credibility

Ashley Lechman|Published

As South Africa basks in the glow of a favourable macroeconomic outlook following its exit from the FATF grey list, the recent Medium-Term Budget seems to promise ...

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 ...

Stay safe online this Black Friday: Here are the essential tips to protect your finances

Ashley Lechman|Published

As Black Friday countdowns to an anticipated surge in consumer spending, ensuring online security should be as high on your shopping list as finding the best deals. ...

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, ...

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 ...

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 ...

SA Reserve Bank holds fire, leaves key interest rates unchanged

Ashley Lechman|Published

Sarb Governor Lesetja Kganyago delivered the news during his address on Thursday citing the inflationary environment in the country.

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, ...

Interest rates expected to hold steady in September as inflation pressures linger

Ashley Lechman|Published

South Africans hoping for more interest rate relief may need to wait a little longer. With inflation edging higher and global uncertainty in play, experts expect ...

South Africa's unemployment rate rises to 33.2% in second quarter

Ashley Lechman|Published

Amid rising unemployment levels and a fluctuating job market, South Africa faces a pivotal moment. Discover how sector trends and regional disparities are shaping ...

SARS imposes provisional anti-dumping duties on tyres from Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia

Ashley Lechman|Published

To protect local manufacturers, SARS has introduced provisional duties on tyre imports from Southeast Asia in response to "country hopping" practices.

Northern Cape project pioneers renewable energy in South Africa

Ashley Lechman|Published

Explore how South Africa is transforming its energy landscape through hybrid solar solutions. At the forefront of this movement is Scatec’s Kenhardt project, a hybrid ...

Eskort warns of food security crisis as chicken imports from Brazil are prohibited

Ashley Lechman|Published

This ban, enacted by the Department of Agriculture on 15 May due to an avian flu outbreak in Brazil's Rio Grande Do Sul state, has raised urgent alarms within the ...

Understanding the impact of Budget 3.0 on consumers

Ashley Lechman|Published

Experts weigh in on the recent government budget announcements, highlighting the implications of pension and social grant increases, VAT stability, and rising fuel ...

SA Reserve Bank expected to hold repo rate in May

Ashley Lechman|Published

Despite inflation being the lowest it has been since June 2020, economists widely anticipate that the central bank will keep the repo rate unchanged in May.

Will fuel cut really make a difference in lives of SA consumers?

Ashley Lechman|Published

'While any financial relief is obviously welcome, authorities need to recognise that South Africans are at breaking point right now under the combined onslaught ...

South Africa's food prices rise sharply despite easing inflation

Ashley Lechman|Published

Despite a slight easing in inflation, South Africa's food prices have surged, leaving workers struggling to afford basic necessities.

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 ...

Kalahari Group: driving change in the Northern Cape automotive industry

Ashley Lechman|Published

Walter Modise, the founder of Kalahari Group, has meticulously crafted a business that prioritises quality, customer satisfaction, and community development.

Northern Cape entrepreneur bridges digital divide with tech solutions and skills training

Ashley Lechman|Published

Northern Cape entrepreneur Tsholofelo Nowalaza is driving digital transformation through her company, Sayda Communication, equipping businesses with innovative solutions, ...

Repo rate down, but debt trap continues for SA consumers

Ashley Lechman|Published

The start of 2025 has been a see-saw for South African consumers, with fuel prices increasing for the first two months, while the South African Reserve Bank announced ...

SARB approves digital banking platform for South African SMEs

Ashley Lechman|Published

The South African Reserve Bank has approved a groundbreaking partnership between Access Bank South Africa and Sava, introducing Africa's most advanced digital banking ...

Consumers brace for impact as SARB prepares to announce interest rates decision

Ashley Lechman|Published

Consumers in South Africa are anxiously awaiting the Monetary Policy Committee’s decision on interest rates, with rising fuel prices and inflation adding to their ...

Lesego Ramonnye is engineering success in the Northern Cape

Ashley Lechman|Published

Discover how Lesego Ramonnye transformed his passion for mechanical engineering into Sindisa Projects, a thriving business that empowers local communities in the ...

Petrol prices expected to decrease in December, while diesel price could increase

Ashley Lechman|Published

Diesel is expected to increase by between 40c/l and 38c/l, while illuminating paraffin will increase by around 39c/l.