The JSE/Liberty Investment Challenge is more than just a learning ground for tomorrow’s future stock exchange champions, it’s also the stepping stone into a world of high finance.
 
From Stellenbosch to Pietermaritzburg, students and scholars flocked to the JSE in Sandton for a day of entertainment, auctioning and motivation. The 2010 awards ceremony for winners and special achievements in the challenge, oozed class and a kind of twinkle that gives young South Africans the kick start that is much needed.   

In a time when the financial crisis is still ongoing, the challenge this year was testament to how the world’s future financial leaders could stand up to a true test. From the start of the awards ceremony the winners showed an element of enthusiasm that surely held them together during the course of the challenge but they were in for more of a financial rollercoaster as celebratory procedures continued. From the antics of host Loyiso Gola to the sound financial advice of Simon Brown (Head: Education and Media - Standard Financial Markets), the winners of the various  Games seemed even more energetic at receiving their cash prizes. So when all seemed done and dusted, the pats on the backs and the exhilaration that now seemed to be exhausted, the organizers put forward one last challenge to these young winners, an on-the-spot auction overseen by Joff van Reenen from High Street Auctions.
 
Illustrating the positive nature of their abilities to handle the stock market these young pioneers took on their peers with the sort of competition that one can only imagine engulfed the actual challenge. At the heart of South African business a bidding war for IPods, laptops and even a golf ball ensued, with individuals teaming up and some going at it alone. It was a fantastic way by the JSE to put forward a practical showcase of what the winners achieved during the actual challenge itself! Altogether a fascinating exhibition of guts, determination and imagination, the ceremony was everything and anything these young heroes could have hoped for. The JSE/Liberty Investment Challenge has proven that today’s financial uncertainties will be safely handled by tomorrow’s financial guardians.
 
To find out more about next years challenge and how you can get involved go check out the following Challenge websites:
University Challengers: http://university.jse.co.za
School Challengers: http://schools.jse.co.za