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UFS students excel in the JSE Investment Challenge

23 October 2023 | Story SAMKELO FETILE | Photo SAMKELO FETILE

Third year students: Sipho Majenge, Thapelo Tinte, Dr Edson Vengesai, Busisiwe Nhlapo and Tsolofelo Zwane.

The University of the Free State (UFS), Department of Economics and Finance in the Faculty of Economic and Management Science, has recently made headlines by achieving remarkable success in the prestigious JSE Investment Challenge competition. The 3rd-year group secured an impressive second position, while the Honours group claimed an outstanding third place. These achievements are truly commendable, given the fierce competition and rigorous evaluation of financial acumen that characterises this national competition.

The 3rd-year group, consisting of Thapelo Tinte, Sipho Majenge, Busisiwe Nhlapo and Tsolofelo Zwane, showcased their financial prowess by excelling in trading futures, a complex financial instrument that demands in-depth knowledge and expertise. On the other hand, the Honours group, comprised of Dawie Bekker, Divan Koch, Keith Tarr, and William Oosthuysen, dedicated their efforts to the stock market. These talented individuals took on the trading aspect of the competition, meticulously constructing and managing their portfolios.

The significance of the JSE Investment Challenge

The JSE Investment Challenge, organised by the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), is a prestigious national competition designed to introduce students to investment fundamentals, offering practical experience that equips them with the knowledge and skills necessary for informed decision-making in real financial markets. This educational stock trading programme also champions financial inclusion and equality by welcoming students from all fields of study. Distinguished by its association with the JSE, one of Africa's leading stock exchanges, the competition exudes credibility and prestige. Participation from universities across South Africa further enhances its national appeal. Moreover, it imparts invaluable real-world financial skills and knowledge, highlighting the participants’ ability to navigate the complexities of the stock market and effectively manage portfolios.

A test of financial prowess

In the challenge, each participating team is allocated R1 million in virtual money and is tasked with constructing a portfolio by purchasing securities on the JSE. This portfolio is closely monitored over six months, from March to September, with the team that generates the highest return across all universities declared as the winner. The rewards are enticing, with the top team receiving R30,000 and an all-expenses-covered international trip. The second and third-placed teams receive R20,000 and R10,000, respectively.

Dr Edson Vengesai plays a pivotal role as the guiding force behind the JSE Investment Challenge in the Department of Economics and Finance. He emphasises, “The success of the students in the JSE Investment Challenge reflects the institution's commitment to providing practical and relevant education. It demonstrates that the students are not only learning theory but also how to apply that knowledge in real-world scenarios. This achievement enhances the institution's reputation, particularly in the fields of finance and economics. It signifies a high-quality curriculum and a dedication to excellence in education”.

For more information about the competition, interested individuals can contact Dr Vengesai through the Department of Economics and Finance in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences or via email at vengesaie@ufs.ac.za.

Dawie Bekker, William Oosthuysen, Dr Edson Vengesai, Divan Koch and Keith Tarr

Honours students: Dawie Bekker, William Oosthuysen, Dr Edson Vengesai, Divan Koch and Keith Tarr.

News Archive

Democracy and traditional leadership in rural areas explored

2017-09-22

Prof Lungisile Ntsebeza, recipient of the NRF Hamilton
Naki Award
Photo: Supplied

The Free State Centre for Human Rights held a presentation by Prof Lungisile Ntsebeza on 7 September 2017 at the University of the Free State (UFS) Bloemfontein Campus on the topic of democracy and traditional leadership in rural areas. Prof Ntsebeza is the holder of the AC Jordan Chair in African Studies at the University of Cape Town and the holder of the National Research Foundation (NRF) Research Chair in Land Reform and Democracy in South Africa.

Conflict between democracy and traditional rule
The topic of democracy and traditional leadership in the rural areas is an example of the tension between democracy and customary law governing the appointment of traditional leaders (headmen) that is currently at play in many parts of the country. Prof Ntsebeza made reference to a court case in the Eastern Cape, where a community successfully challenged the appointment of a headman by the royal family of the area. The contention was whether royal families could appoint headmen in rural communities or if those communities ought to democratically elect their own leaders. He argued that in this specific case, the democratic imperatives of the Constitution did not conflict with customary law because of the particular communal practice of electing leaders.

The Constitution and customary law
The Constitution of South Africa recognises customary law provisions which are not in conflict with its fundamental values. Difficult legitimacy problems may arise where customary practices are different from those governing this particular case. Ultimately the Constitutional Court would be called upon to resolve inherent tensions and develop customary law in line with the direction foreseen in the Constitution.

Student engagement as a vehicle for change
The event was attended by UFS staff and fourth-year LLB students in the Faculty of Law, and was funded by the Free State Centre for Human Rights at UFS. The programme is one of several that the centre seeks to utilise in engaging students with researchers and scholars in the field of law and human rights. Prof Ntsebeza has given academic presentations on various related and trending topics in the current academic climate, such as decolonising the curriculum, Cecil John Rhodes and others. He was recently awarded the Hamilton Naki Award at the 2017 National Research Foundation Awards.

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