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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

Sport results: Tennis, Netball, badminton, athletics

2009-05-05

During the Mega-intervarsity Tournament held at Sun City last week, both the University of the Free State’s (UFS) men’s and women’s tennis teams beat their opponents. The Kovsies women’s team beat the Pukke 15-0, Tukkies 15-1 and Maties 12-5. The Kovsies men’s team beat their respective opponents as follows: Maties A 12-6, Maties B 15-0, Pukke A 9-7, Tukkies A 14-1 and Pukke B 15-0. Janine de Kock from KovsieSport said that she was satisfied with these achievements. “For the past two years the women have won the University Sports South Africa (USSA) tournament and now again this tournament. What makes this achievement special is the fact that it was the first tournament that four of the women’s team members played for the UFS.” “I am also very satisfied with the achievements of the men’s team. They ended sixth in last year’s USSA tournament. This year, at a tournament where the top four universities in terms of tennis were present, they won,” said Janine.
	Rensia Henning in action during the Mega-intervarsity Tournament that took place at Sun City last week. Photos: Jeanine de Kok
Netball: Hard work gets rewarded - (April 2009) Three Kovsies were selected from the South African National Netball team to the Senior Top 12 Team that will represent South Africa at the SPAR Challenge, a three nation’s test series against Botswana and Fiji. These matches will take place towards the end of May in Pretoria. The three students are Elzet Engelbrecht, Maryka Holtzhausen, en Adele Niemand. Kovsie students compete at badminton championships One former student from the University of the Free State (UFS) Chris Dednam, and one current Kovsie student Annari Viljoen are included in the National Badminton Team that represented South Africa from 17 to 24 April 2009 at the All Africa Badminton Championships in Nairobi, Kenya. They also participated in the Kenya International Championships from 25 to 27 April 2009. Chris Dednam and Annari Viljoen and with them Roelof Dednam, also a former Kovsie student, were included in the team that will participate at the Sudirman Cup in Guangzhou, China. The Sudirman Cup that will take place from 10 to 17 May 2009 is the world mixed team badminton championship and takes place every two years. Kovsie athletes win medals Kovsie athletes excelled at the South African Students Athletics Championships (USSA) that was held in Stellenbosch by winning a total of 15 medals. The medal winners are: Gold: Thuso Mpuang for the 200m, Johan Cronjè for the 1 500m, Maryna Swanepoel for the half marathon and Marizette Badenhorst for hammer throw. Silver: Thuso Mpuang for the 100m, Johan Cronjè for the 5 000m, Charles le Roux for triple jump, Ronè Reynecke for the 800m, and Abongile Lerotholi for 1 500m. Bronze: Kagisho Kumbane for 100m and 200m, Boy Soke for half marathon, Charles le Roux for long jump, Thandi Malindi for the 3 000m steeple chase, and Marike Steyn for triple jump. In the team competition the Kovsie men’s team received third place and the women’s team fourth place.

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