Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is strengthening its commitment to postgraduate excellence through innovative academic engagement, as demonstrated by a recent high-level seminar hosted by the Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics. Centred on improving financial literacy and energising participation in the prestigious Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) Investment Challenge, the session brought together Honours, Master’s and PhD students for a dynamic exploration of real-world financial practice.
Held on campus, the seminar formed part of the department’s broader strategy to enhance research capacity while equipping students with practical skills relevant to the financial sector. With a strong emphasis on experiential learning, the session unpacked the mechanics, benefits and academic relevance of the JSE Investment Challenge, widely regarded as South Africa’s leading educational investment programme.
Delivering the keynote presentation, Zaba Mngani, presenter of the JSE Investment Challenge, offered a comprehensive overview of the initiative, highlighting its role in developing financially literate and analytically skilled graduates. “The JSE Investment Challenge is more than a competition; it is a platform for developing disciplined, strategic thinkers who understand the dynamics of financial markets,” he said. “Participants gain risk-free exposure to real market conditions, allowing them to make informed investment decisions without financial loss.”
The seminar was further enriched by valuable contributions from Sanlam financial advisers Lerato Teffo, Buhle Mabhena and Rhoda Matsimela, who delivered insightful presentations. Their sessions complemented the keynote by providing practical perspectives on financial planning, investment strategies and industry expectations, thereby deepening students’ understanding of real-world financial environments.
The seminar was facilitated under the leadership of Dr Claude Moutsinga, Senior Lecturer in Applied Mathematics and Postgraduate Research Coordinator, alongside lecturer Molwantwa Kanyane. The engagement followed a formal invitation extended to the JSE after earlier interactions at the Investment Challenge Awards held on 17 October 2025, reflecting a growing institutional partnership.
Dr Moutsinga underscored the initiative’s alignment with SMU’s academic vision of producing industry-ready graduates. “Our goal is to produce graduates who are not only theoretically sound but also practically equipped to contribute meaningfully to the economy,” he said. “The JSE Investment Challenge provides an excellent platform to bridge the gap between mathematical theory and financial application.”
Throughout the session, students were introduced to key elements of the competition, including portfolio management, trading strategies and performance evaluation. The interactive format fostered robust engagement, with participants actively debating market trends, investment risks and decision-making processes in contemporary financial environments.
Kanyane highlighted the academic value of the programme, noting its relevance to postgraduate research. “Financial mathematics is an evolving field, and platforms such as this enable our students to contextualise their research within real economic systems,” he explained. “It strengthens analytical thinking and supports academic development at the postgraduate level.”
Students responded positively to the initiative, expressing enthusiasm about applying their knowledge in practical contexts. One postgraduate attendee, Neo Monyebodi, a Master’s student in Applied Mathematics, remarked, “This session has transformed how I view financial markets. It is empowering to know that we can apply our mathematical knowledge in a way that has real-world impact.”
Beyond academic enrichment, the seminar also emphasised the career advantages associated with participation in the JSE Investment Challenge. Students were encouraged to build professional networks, enhance employability and explore career pathways in finance, investment analysis and data science.
Mngani reinforced this perspective, stating that employers increasingly value demonstrable experience. “Participation in the Investment Challenge signals initiative, problem-solving ability and a strong understanding of market behaviour,” she said.
The seminar concluded with a call to action for postgraduate students in Mathematics, Applied Mathematics and related disciplines to register for the competition. The department reaffirmed its commitment to supporting participants through mentorship and academic guidance.
As SMU continues to advance its role as a leader in health sciences and interdisciplinary research, initiatives such as this reflect its broader mission to produce graduates who are globally competitive, intellectually agile and equipped to drive innovation across sectors.
By Dimakatso Modise
