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Saturday, June 7, 2025

Ashley Lechman

Digital Editor

From lip gloss to luggage: Uber’s lost and found index reveals the quirky things South Africans accidentally misplaced

Whether it’s a forgotten pie on the way to a braai or a passport dropped en route to the airport, South Africans are proving that we’re not only resourceful and resilient, but also hilariously human.

Business Report Companies
Ashley Lechman|Published

Pick n Pay celebrates World Environment Day with major recycling milestone

On World Environment Day 2025, Pick n Pay marks a significant achievement in its recycling efforts, diverting over 1. 1 million recyclable items from landfills through its innovative Reverse Vending Machines initiative, promoting a sustainable future in South Africa.

Business Report Companies
Ashley Lechman|Published

South Africa's economy faces an uphill battle as growth stagnates

As South Africa grapples with stagnating growth and ballooning public debt, ongoing reform efforts hold the key to economic revival. Will these initiatives gain traction in time to reverse the trends of the last decade?

Business Report Economy
Ashley Lechman|Published

S&P Global Ratings maintains positive outlook for South Africa's economy

At the South Africa Capital Markets Conference, S&P Global Ratings presented a positive economic outlook for the country, highlighting growth potential and investment opportunities amid global uncertainties.

Business Report Economy
Ashley Lechman|Published

How solar energy is improving healthcare in rural areas

As Bestmed continues to expand its supportive footprint across South Africa, the collaboration with Unjani Clinic stands as a beacon of hope, vitalising and reshaping healthcare in remote communities one initiative at a time.

Business Report Economy
Ashley Lechman|Published

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

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

Business Report Economy
Ashley Lechman|Published

How stablecoins are rapidly reshaping Africa’s money sovereignty

A notable evolution among African governments has been the significant strides in digital asset regulation.

Business Report Economy
Ashley Lechman|Published

Collective X invests R50 million to bridge South Africa's digital skills gap

In a bid to counter South Africa’s staggering youth unemployment rate, Collective X is stepping up to create pathways to vital digital jobs. Discover how their R50 million investment is connecting young talents with real opportunities in the tech sector.

Business Report Companies
Ashley Lechman|Published

New vehicle sales surge by 22%, as rate cut keeps sector upbeat

South Africa's automotive sector experienced a significant recovery in May 2025, with vehicle sales increasing by 22% compared to the previous year. The recent interest rate cuts by the SARB have positively impacted consumer affordability and production competitiveness, despite challenges in export sales.

Business Report Economy
Ashley Lechman|Published

Buy now or miss out: Johannesburg property market heats up

As interest rates decline, Johannesburg's property market is heating up, presenting a golden opportunity for buyers and investors. Don't get left behind—find out why experts are urging immediate action!

Business Report Economy
Ashley Lechman|Published

Reserve Bank's interest rate cut: response to low inflation and economic challenges

The South African Reserve Bank has lowered interest rates in response to a low inflation rate, but experts warn that rising taxes could still burden households. This article explores the implications of the rate cut and the ongoing economic challenges facing South Africa. "

Business Report Economy
Ashley Lechman|Published

SA Reserve Bank cuts interest rates: What it means for consumers

South African consumers welcome the recent interest rate cut by the Reserve Bank, but experts warn that rising costs could negate the benefits. This article explores the implications of the rate change and the broader economic challenges facing households.

Business Report Economy
Ashley Lechman|Published

Standard Bank and GIBS launch Youth Forward programme to combat youth unemployment

This initiative is set to empower 50 black youth-owned businesses with essential tools and support to thrive in the current challenging economic landscape.

Business Report Economy
Ashley Lechman|Published

Usave launches advanced loss prevention system to combat rising energy prices

The system, developed in conjunction with Azoteq, a home-grown South African technology firm, harnesses SmartSense™ technology to effectively monitor and manage power consumption within its stores.

Business Report Companies
Ashley Lechman|Published

SA Reserve Bank cuts repo rate offering relief

South African Reserve Bank announces a 25 basis point cut to the repo rate, providing much-needed relief for borrowers. Experts weigh in on the implications for the economy and property market.

Cape Times News
Ashley Lechman|Published

SA Reserve Bank cuts repo rate offering relief to consumers

South African Reserve Bank announces a 25 basis point cut to the repo rate, providing much-needed relief for borrowers. Experts weigh in on the implications for the economy and property market.

Business Report Economy
Ashley Lechman|Published

Historic graduation: 17-year-old Mongiwa Ntuli earns Actuarial Science degree

Mongiwa Hazel Ntuli, a remarkable 17-year-old, graduates with a degree in Actuarial Science from the University of Pretoria, earning praise from Minister Nkabane for her inspiring journey and academic excellence.

Business Report Careers
Ashley Lechman|Published

Watch VideoSA Reserve Bank cuts interest rates

This means that the prime lending rate in the country will decrease from 11. 00% to 10. 75%.

Business Report Economy
Ashley Lechman|Published

Bolt Invests over R400 000 to support emerging mobility entrepreneurs in SA

Launched in December 2024 in partnership with business academy Pranary, the program attracted over 578 applications nationwide, with Gauteng submitting the highest number.

Business Report Entrepreneurs
Ashley Lechman|Published

Challenges and opportunities for SMEs for the year ahead

A crucial factor in the success of many of these businesses was having a proactive plan to address the challenges they encountered.

Business Report Entrepreneurs
Ashley Lechman|Published

Retailers must tighten cybersecurity as omnichannel strategies expand

Cybercriminals can use a variety of sophisticated tactics to breach a business's security systems at vulnerable points and gain access to sensitive customer data, says Calin Cloete, Enterprise Security Solutions Lead at ESET Southern Africa.

Business Report Economy
Ashley Lechman|Published

Starlink and South Africa: No exceptions in telecom regulation reform

The Association of Comms and Technology (ACT) has welcomed new directives from Minister Solly Malatsi aimed at aligning ICASA's regulations with the B-BBEE ICT Sector Code, signalling a potential transformation in South Africa's telecommunications landscape.

Business Report Economy
Ashley Lechman|Published

Rising food prices choke South African households

South African families are increasingly burdened by soaring food prices, with many unable to afford basic nutrition as costs continue to rise dramatically. Discover the latest insights from the May 2025 Household Affordability Index and what it means for households across the nation.

Business Report Economy
Ashley Lechman|Published

How South Africa is leading the charge in hybrid solar energy development

Explore how South Africa is transforming its energy landscape through hybrid solar solutions, enhancing grid stability and meeting net-zero commitments in the face of climate challenges.

Business Report Energy
Ashley Lechman|Published

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

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 local meat industry.

Business Report Companies
Ashley Lechman|Published