50 Years of Empowerment: JSE's Commitment to Advancing Financial Literacy

Late last year, the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) marked a milestone – the 50th anniversary of the JSE Investment Challenge. It was a night of glitz, glamour and sparkling delight, a fitting tribute to an initiative that has been at the core of our financial literacy efforts. 

The JSE Investment Challenge serves as a journey of empowerment and an educational tool. Its primary goal is to educate young South Africans about the basics of investing in the stock market and the importance of these investments to the economy. The Challenge has expanded from just a few hundred participants in its early days to more than 45,000 this year. It’s a cornerstone of the JSE’s commitment to fostering financial literacy, reaching schools, universities and communities across the nation. 

When we celebrated and honoured the victors of the 2023 Investment Challenge, the joy in the room fortified our commitment to enhancing financial literacy in South Africa.

At the JSE, we understand that financial literacy serves as a gateway to inclusivity, empowerment and development. In a country like South Africa, where economic disparities are stark, financial literacy can play a transformative role in bridging the gap. Just 51 percent of South Africans possess a solid understanding of personal finance. By integrating global best practices and a keen understanding of local needs, the JSE strives to democratise access to financial opportunities so that everyone may participate and benefit.

The JSE’s strategy to drive financial literacy in South Africa involves collaboration and educational initiatives. It leverages technology to reach a broader audience and creates engaging content that simplifies and explores financial concepts. By integrating financial literacy into our core strategy, the JSE ensures that our efforts are sustainable and impactful. 

In addition to the JSE Investment Challenge, the JSE has launched several innovative programs. The JSE Virtual Trading Game (VTG) is in its fourth year and a key tool through which the JSE strives to empower individuals and enhance their understanding of financial literacy. Similar to the JSE Investment Challenge, the VTG is a game that aims to teach South Africans of all ages about investing. The game educates participants on investing basics and motivates them to research and strategise trading JSE-listed instruments. This year, more than 9,000 people are taking part. 

#SheInvests is another initiative that coincides with Women’s Month. This exciting event is dedicated to empowering women with the financial knowledge and confidence to delve into the world of trade and investment. Recognising that women often face challenges, #SheInvests aims to bridge the investment gap by making it more accessible and inclusive. Resources and informative talks are designed to equip women with the tools they need to build prosperous investment portfolios and secure their financial futures. 

Additionally, the JSE recently launched a new venture called the JSE Investor Avenue Podcast. With two episodes already released, this podcast offers valuable insights and actionable advice. Each episode includes lively discussions with financial experts, addressing a variety of subjects from fundamental investment concepts to sophisticated market strategies.

The JSE has also leveraged online and streaming platforms to drive our financial-literacy efforts. One such platform is SA Stock Picks, Powered by JSE a stock-analysis series; the Investor Forum is another important platform. These forums are designed to enhance, develop and grow investment portfolios.

Furthermore, the JSE Verify a Broker tool offers investors a dependable method to check the legitimacy of stockbrokers and financial service providers. By confirming that these professionals are registered and authorised by the JSE and the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA), the tool highlights the significance of regulatory compliance and due diligence.

Another significant initiative from the JSE is our countrywide campaign to educate South Africans on investing and unclaimed dividends. With R4.5 billion in unclaimed dividends across South Africa, the JSE's efforts extend beyond returning these funds. We strive to unlock financial potential, empower individuals to claim their rightful benefits and make informed choices.

We believe that financial literacy is more than an educational endeavour, it is a commitment to empowerment, inclusivity, development and growth. By driving and promoting financial literacy, the JSE is enhancing the financial wellbeing of individuals and contributing to South Africa’s economic stability. As the JSE continues to champion financial literacy, we reaffirm our commitment to being a catalyst for positive change in the realm of financial literacy, at home and abroad.