Ashley Lechman

Digital Editor

Festive alcohol spending spikes as South Africans embrace celebrations

Ashley Lechman|Published

Beer stands out as the preferred choice, particularly among men, with 68% of weekly beer consumers identifying as male.

South African consumers remain cautiously optimistic despite economic challenges

Ashley Lechman|Published

As South Africa heads towards the festive season, consumers exhibit a blend of cautious optimism and economic anxiety. Explore the latest insights into consumer ...

Eskom's power system stabilises ahead of holiday demand

Ashley Lechman|Published

With the holiday season fast approaching, Eskom's recent performance updates provide a hopeful outlook for South Africans concerned about power supply. Can this ...

Cross-border payments set to transform African trade by 2026

Ashley Lechman|Published

As the continent braces for a transformative shift in cross-border payments by 2026, Verto reveals key predictions that could redefine African trade forever. Discover ...

Overwhelming financial strain sees 94% of South Africans struggle as festive season approaches

Ashley Lechman|Published

As the festive season nears, an alarming survey reveals that 94% of South Africans are burdened by significant financial strain, with many forced to alter or cancel ...

Consumer confidence surges as South Africans prepare for festive spending

Ashley Lechman|Published

As the festive season approaches, consumer confidence in South Africa sees a significant boost, suggesting a promising period of spending ahead. Discover the latest ...

South Africa sees slight rise in employment but year-on-year figures reveal ongoing challenges

Ashley Lechman|Published

As South Africa inches towards recovery, the latest employment figures highlight ongoing struggles and a mixed bag of results that underscore the complexity of the ...

Financial lessons from 2025: Key insights for South Africans in 2026

Ashley Lechman|Published

South Africans are at a pivotal moment as they prepare for 2026. The financial lessons of 2025 provide a roadmap for navigating the economic landscape, encouraging ...

Higher fuel prices threaten holiday plans for South Africans

Ashley Lechman|Published

The festive season is about to get pricier for South Africans. Higher fuel prices could disrupt holiday plans just when families are gearing up for a joyful reunion. ...

From big TVs to basic necessities: how South Africans approached Black Friday

Ashley Lechman|Published

South Africans have pivoted from purchasing big-ticket items during Black Friday to hunting for deals on essential groceries, as the ongoing cost-of-living crisis ...

Repo rate cut provides much-needed relief for South African consumers

Ashley Lechman|Published

As South Africa's festive season approaches, the announcement of a 25 basis point cut in the repo rate brings much-needed relief for consumers grappling with rising ...

Black Friday shifts from luxury to necessity for desperate South Africans

Ashley Lechman|Published

As Black Friday approaches, South Africans face a difficult financial landscape where grocery deals become a lifeline. Explore how economic pressures are reshaping ...

October inflation rises to 3.6% despite mixed pressures on prices

Ashley Lechman|Published

As the South African economy navigates through fluctuating inflation rates, will the anticipated interest rate cuts pave the way for relief in consumers' wallets? ...

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 ...