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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

The UFS issues a statement regarding the outcome of recent court case

2014-09-15

A significant number of reports appeared in the media the past week regarding this alleged attack, which happened on the Bloemfontein Campus of the UFS on 17 February 2014.

Although the senior leadership of the UFS is always in favour of good and objective journalism, we find it unfortunate that some of the facts are reported in a misleading and/or inaccurate way by some of the local media.

It is important to us that the true facts are stated. Not only for the sake of those involved, but also for our staff, students, alumni and other important stakeholders.

Here are the facts:

1.   The university was not the complainant. The alleged incident was reported to the South African Police Service (SAPS) by the victim, Muzi Gwebu, and the charges were laid by the State.

2.   At no point did the university management in any of its public statements describe this incident as a case of racism; not once. Charges of racism, then and now, must be proven, not assumed to be true simply because someone alleges racism. That is our standard approach, then and now.

3.   Cobus Muller and Charl Blom were suspended by the university, not expelled – pending the results of the court case. Emotions were running high among members of the student body and, on grounds of the evidence available to the university management at the time, as well as concerns for student and campus safety, they were suspended pending the outcome of a court hearing. This is normal procedure. Suspension does not mean you are guilty; it means you have a case to answer, either according to the university's disciplinary procedures or in the courts. For these reasons the university management will not apologise for the suspension.

4.   The university awaited the outcome of the court case before deciding whether disciplinary action should also be taken against Cobus Muller and Charl Blom. In the light of both the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) and the Regional Court rulings, the university management subsequently decided to lift the suspensions of both Muller and Blom from all campuses of the university with immediate effect.

Muzi Gwebu laid serious charges with the SAPS almost immediately after the incident, and the university management believed, on the evidence then available, that the students had a case to answer.

5.   As the Director of Public Prosecutions decides on who will be prosecuted and who not, there are no grounds for the university to pay the legal fees of any of the students in this case.

Finally:
The University of the Free State will not be fazed by inaccurate and distorted information, rumour and exaggerations. We are still striving to become a truly excellent university, with a focus on the academic, but also the human development of our students.

Issued by: Lacea Loader (Director: Communication and Brand Management)
Tel: +27 (0) 51 401 2584 | +27 (0) 83 645 2454
E-mail: news@ufs.ac.za

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