Ashley Lechman

Digital Editor

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.

SA Reserve Bank cuts interest rate ahead of festive season

Ashley Lechman|Published

South African Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago has announced a cut in the repurchase rate (repo rate) in the country.

Discovery SA comes under fire for inviting Israeli health officials to Summit

Ashley Lechman|Published

The FOH Leadership Symposium hosted by Discovery SA is due to take place in Cape Town tomorrow.

First fuel price increase in six months signals shift in market conditions

Ashley Lechman|Published

The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy confirmed the adjustments are effective from midnight on Tuesday 5 November impacting motorists this Wednesday, 6 ...

NC entrepreneur reshapes logistics industry with community-first approach

Ashley Lechman|Published

Driven by a strong entrepreneurial spirit and a deep passion for uplifting her community, 31-year-old Keotshepile Maureen “Mamsy” Jonathan from the Northern Cape ...