Ashley Lechman

Digital Editor

Passion to profession: how Nadia Koegelenberg built a thriving pet photography business

Ashley Lechman|Published

Nadia Koegelenberg, founder of Moonrise Creative Studio, shares her journey of combining her love for animals and photography into a successful pet photography business ...

'Liberation Day' tariffs paused by Trump, but not for China

Ashley Lechman|Published

The US President said that he would be pausing all tariffs imposed on various nations that he announced last week, however, doubled down on China's tariffs and announced a ...

Political tensions rise as Budget narrowly passes with VAT Hike, set to be challenged in court

Ashley Lechman|Published

The Government of National Unity faces its biggest test as the narrowly-passed National Budget with its controversial VAT increase sparks political tension. With ...

Cosatu calls for amendment to Budget, slams proposed VAT hike

Ashley Lechman|Published

Parliamentary finance committees met to discuss South Africa's economic policies, with COSATU strongly opposing the proposed VAT increase that they argue will harm ...

NEASA slams Labour Department over 'aggressive' audit practices

Ashley Lechman|Published

The National Employers' Association of South Africa has raised serious concerns over aggressive audit practices by firms appointed by the Department of Employment ...

Budget: VAT increase would be carried by the poorest of the poor in South Africa

Ashley Lechman|Published

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana's sudden postponement of the Budget Speech sparks market volatility and raises concerns over potential VAT increases. Expert analysis ...

Budget Speech postponed

Ashley Lechman|Published

It was announced that Godongwana’s Budget speech will be postponed until further notice.

Eskom issues high risk of load shedding after 10 months of no power cuts

Ashley Lechman|Published

After more than 10 months of uninterrupted electricity supply due to the success of the Generation Recovery Plan, Eskom has issued an alert indicating a high risk ...

Nersa grants Eskom a 12. 7% tariff increase ahead of winter season

Ashley Lechman|Published

The approval of the tariff increase comes at a pivotal moment when Eskom is still grappling with extensive infrastructure issues, maintenance delays, and the ever-looming ...

SA Reserve Bank cuts interest rates by 0. 25%

Ashley Lechman|Published

This comes after the central bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted for a 25BPS cut today, which translates to a 0. 25% cut in the repurchase rate (repo rate). ...

Team SA ready to showcase nation's potential at WEF in Davos

Ashley Lechman|Published

South African government and business leaders prepare to present a unified message at the World Economic Forum in Davos, highlighting economic progress and successful ...

Consumer inflation edges slightly higher in November

Ashley Lechman|Published

There was no change in the consumer price index (CPI) between October and November.

Fuel prices surge again as festive season approaches

Ashley Lechman|Published

The Department of Petroleum and Mineral Resources (DMRE) released the official adjustments on Tuesday.

Low GDP growth to knock South African consumers ahead of festive season

Ashley Lechman|Published

South Africa's economy faces challenges as it contracted by 0. 3% in the third quarter of 2024, primarily due to a significant decline in agriculture. This slowdown ...

Black Friday spend: R1. 19bn in transactions recorded over shopping extravaganza weekend

Ashley Lechman|Published

Peach Payments said the largest transaction the company recorded over the Black Friday weekend was R441 000 in the travel and tourism industry.

Bleak December for travellers as fuel prices set to increase from Wednesday

Ashley Lechman|Published

The Department of Petroleum and Mineral Resources (DMRE) released the official adjustments on Tuesday.

Black Friday 2024: A 24-hour snapshot of shopping trends

Ashley Lechman|Published

Tracking the 24-hour results, BankservAfrica analysed transaction volumes against both the preceding day (Thursday, 28 November), representing a typical shopping ...

Watch how South Africans are buying on Black Friday

Ashley Lechman|Published

Keep an eye on how South Africans are buying this Black Friday using Peach Payments' Black Friday Dashboard.

SA retailers are ready for Black Friday, this is what they are offering

Ashley Lechman|Published

Consumers in the country will search for the best deals to spend their hard-earned rands on as many businesses participate in the shopping extravaganza.

S&P Global Ratings upgrades Eskom’s credit ratings as lights stay on

Ashley Lechman and Philippa Larkin|Published

Eskom received a credit rating upgrade from S&P Global Ratings, signalling progress in financial stability and a brighter energy future for South Africa.

South African families face rising grocery costs

Ashley Lechman|Published

The November 2024 Household Affordability Index reveals rising grocery prices, putting pressure on South African households as they prepare for Black Friday shopping. ...

Shauwn Mkhize's Durban home raided

Ashley Lechman|Published

Mkhize is locked in a legal battle with the country’s tax collector over an alleged R37 million in unpaid taxes.

Bumper Black Friday expected in SA as economic conditions improve

Ashley Lechman|Published

One of South Africa’s biggest banks, First National Bank (FNB) said it is anticipating its customers to spend over R3 billion.

ICTSI to challenge KZN High Court ruling halting Durban port contract

Ashley Lechman|Published

ICTSI, a prominent player in global port operations, emerged as the preferred bidder for a 25-year joint venture with Transnet in July 2023, pledging an investment ...

MTBPS: Public-private collaboration welcomed, says CEO of Pam Golding Property group

Ashley Lechman|Published

The property sector, which was hard hit by the prolonged elevated interest rates in the country has welcomed the Minister’s MTBPS as well as the government’s willingness ...