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Monday, May 12, 2025

Ashley Lechman

Digital Editor

No rate cut by SA Reserve Bank predicted in May

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.

Business Report Economy
Ashley Lechman|Published

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

This past week the DMRE published the official fuel price adjustments that took effect on Wednesday, 7 May, announcing a cut in the price of petrol of 22 cents per litre for 93 and 95 petrol, respectively and between 41 and 42 cents per litre for diesel.

Business Report Economy
Ashley Lechman|Published

Cosatu extremely concerned about crises at Daybreak

Daybreak Foods grapples with severe financial difficulties, leading to a shocking culling of poultry and protests from unpaid workers. The company seeks assistance from the Public Investment Corporation to navigate its crisis.

Business Report Companies
Ashley Lechman|Published

How local SMEs can leverage cross-border e-commerce opportunities

The rise of cross-border e-commerce trade is unlocking new opportunities for South African businesses eager to expand their reach and revenue.

Business Report Entrepreneurs
Ashley Lechman|Published

Real costs and implications of an unpredictable political landscape for SMEs

This month, Miguel da Silva, Group Executive: Business Banking at TymeBank, looked at the very real costs and implications of an unpredictable political landscape for SMEs.

Business Report Entrepreneurs
Ashley Lechman|Published

South Africa's food prices rise sharply despite easing inflation

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

Business Report Economy
Ashley Lechman|Published

Coalition politics and budget cuts: What to expect from Godongwana's upcoming speech

"Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana is set to deliver a third Budget Speech on 21 May, following political debates surrounding VAT increases and the need for fiscal responsibility in South Africa.

Business Report Economy
Ashley Lechman|Published

South Africa faces mounting budget pressures as finance minister unveils new fiscal plans

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana addressed South Africa's ongoing budget crisis, detailing the recent VAT changes and the implications for the country's fiscal future.

Business Report Economy
Ashley Lechman|Published

Spotify’s AI Playlist now available in South Africa, enhancing music discovery

The music streaming giant announced that it is bringing Premium users in more than 40 markets another feature to turn users most creative ideas into playlists by introducing AI Playlist in beta.

Business Report Companies
Ashley Lechman|Published

Cybersecurity: how the Cell C and SABS attacks could have been prevented

Two recent, high-profile cyberattacks—one on mobile telecommunications provider Cell C and another on the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS)—have rocked South Africa.

Business Report Companies
Ashley Lechman|Published

The implications of WhatsApp's new AI features on user privacy

There has been growing debate around what it means for user privacy and the future of encrypted messaging.

Business Report Economy
Ashley Lechman|Published

Going beyond the code, investing in Girls in ICT is a future investment

Despite strides in awareness, the numbers remain sobering, with 30% of science and ICT professionals are woman, globally.

Business Report Economy
Ashley Lechman|Published

Tariff wars pose new challenges for Africa's cross-border payments and economic growth

With the global economy in flux, discover how tariff wars are reshaping Africa's cross-border payments and what it means for future trade opportunities. Will Africa's economies rise to the occasion and forge stronger, intra-continental ties?

Business Report Economy
Ashley Lechman|Published

Scrapped VAT increase: What it means for consumers and businesses

South African Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announces the reversal of the proposed VAT increase, providing short-term relief for consumers and businesses. This article explores the implications of this decision on pricing stability and communication strategies for companies.

Business Report Economy
Ashley Lechman|Published

Finance Minister’s decision to withdraw VAT increase brings relief to consumers

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced this past Thursday that the National Treasury will no longer be implementing the controversial 0. 5 percentage points increase in the value-added tax (VAT).

Business Report Economy
Ashley Lechman|Published

MTN Group reports cybersecurity incident affecting customer data

MTN Group has confirmed a cybersecurity incident resulting in unauthorised access to customer data. The telecommunications giant assures that core systems remain secure and urges customers to take precautionary measures.

Business Report Companies
Ashley Lechman|Published

VAT victory should see Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana adjusting projected growth rate

Frank Blackmore, lead Economist at KPMG, told Business Report that he thinks this was good news for most South Africans as it spares them an additional stress of increasing prices on numerous goods throughout the economy in an environment where they already facing a very high cost of living.

Business Report Economy
Ashley Lechman|Published

Inflation down to a 5-year low, time to cut the interest rate, says Seef

The inflation rate has now fallen to a 5-year low, and is well below the Reserve Bank’s target range of 3%-6%.

Business Report Economy
Ashley Lechman|Published

SACCI Business Confidence Index indicates cautious optimism for South African SMEs

While there are indications of improved confidence, industry experts warn that complacency is far from advisable, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) facing unprecedented challenges.

Business Report Companies
Ashley Lechman|Published

Report reveals what has, and hasn’t, changed in the lives of consumers since the pandemic

To help businesses gain a sharper understanding of their consumers five years on from the announcement of the lockdown, The Up&Up Group and KLA have released a white paper detailing exactly what has, and hasn’t, changed in the lives of consumers in South Africa.

Business Report Companies
Ashley Lechman|Published

VeliTech disrupts South Africa's iGaming industry with next-generation solutions

VeliTech has launched in South Africa, introducing next-generation solutions to a rapidly growing iGaming market, promising to revolutionise player experiences and empower local operators

Business Report Companies
Ashley Lechman|Published

South Africa's energy crisis: from load shedding to unaffordable electricity

As load shedding becomes a thing of the past, South Africans now face a different energy crisis - affordability. With 86% of citizens already unable to afford electricity costs before the April tariff increase of 12. 7%, and a possible VAT hike looming, Debt Rescue CEO Neil Roets warns of a 'cold, dark winter ahead' for most households.

Business Report Energy
Ashley Lechman|Published

Budget Insurance recognises worrying pattern in Easter insurance claims

Urging smarter travel choices this Easter holiday.

Business Report Companies
Ashley Lechman|Published

FNB forecasts growth in Easter spend despite tough economic climate

Accommodation, clothing, hardware, flights, and fuel set to drive holiday spend.

Business Report Companies
Ashley Lechman|Published

Budget pinch: South Africans reduce Easter charity and travel spending

As South Africans get ready for April holidays, charitable donations see a surprising decline amidst rising travel and essential expenses, prompting new spending habits and financial strategies. Discover what this means for consumers this month.

Business Report Economy
Ashley Lechman|Published