Johannesburg, 04 September 2025 – Since its inception, the Investment Challenge has provided young South Africans with exposure to financial markets, fostering practical skills, teamwork and critical thinking in a simulated but competitive environment. Supported by educators and mentors, participants leverage market trends and economic data to maximise their virtual portfolios, competing for monthly and overall prizes that reward strategy, growth and innovation. 

July’s results highlighted robust competition and outstanding achievement, particularly from leading universities. While previous months have seen Gauteng schools dominate, July’s winners demonstrate the strength and growth across all teams in the Challenge.

Two teams in the university game came out tops. USIS-Brokers from Stellenbosch University was the winner of the University Speculator Portfolio, while team RU Stratton Syndicates from Rhodes University, walked off with the ETF/ETN Portfolio prize. USIS-Brokers’ member Mary-Ann Bruwer said, “The JSE investment Challenge has been a fantastic experience, providing me with skills that will equip me for the future, allowing me to learn through real-life scenarios without the risks. I’ve even had the chance to try out basic trading, which deepened my understanding of the field.”

Bruwer’s journey began when a friend invited her to join, providing an opportunity to engage directly with the stock market. She said one of the biggest learnings from participating was how teamwork played a crucial role in motivating members during the investment process. “The Challenge fostered an environment where everyone can thrive and gain a deeper understanding of concepts like the bull market,” she said.

Ralph Speirs, Senior CSI Officer at the JSE, said, “Seeing teams go head-to-head always stokes excitement and prestige to the JSE Investment Challenge. Their achievements reflect their commitment and strategic thinking. The future of our country’s capital markets is truly in capable hands.” 

With more than 40,000 students participating in 2025, the JSE Investment Challenge remains a key platform for building financial literacy among young people in South Africa. The programme enables schools and universities to engage with real-time stock trading in a simulated environment, offering students practical experience in a risk-free setting. With straightforward digital registration and active social media outreach, the Challenge aims to encourage curiosity, develop financial skills, and build confidence in participants. By combining hands-on learning with a user-friendly platform for a competition of this nature, the initiative continues to help students develop the knowledge and experience needed for future involvement in the country’s capital markets.

The July winners are:

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ABOUT THE JSE 

The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) has a well-established history operating as a market place for trading financial products. It is a pioneering, globally connected exchange group that enables inclusive economic growth through trusted, world class, socially responsible products and services for the investor of the future. It offers secure and efficient primary and secondary capital markets across a diverse range of securities, spanning equities, derivatives and debt markets. It prides itself as being the market of choice for local and international investors looking to gain exposure to leading capital markets on the African continent. 

The JSE is currently ranked in the Top 20 largest stock exchanges in the world by market capitalisation, and is the largest stock exchange in Africa, having been in operation for 137 years. As a leading global exchange, the JSE co-creates, unlocks value and makes real connections happen.  www.jse.co.za