Possible subhead: Kingswood’s ‘Renaissance Traders’ claim top spot in national JSE investment challenge
By Karabo Matalajoe
Kingswood College’s young investors have made Makhanda proud after taking first place nationally in the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) Investment Challenge. The competition tests learners’ financial literacy and strategic thinking.
The winning team, Renaissance Traders, competed in the Speculator Portfolio category, which requires participants to trade actively using a virtual portfolio of R1 million in real-time JSE-linked markets.
A calculated approach
Team leader Thomas Wilmot said their winning strategy combined patience, research, and bold decision-making. “We only put our portfolio to work in April because we were unsure how Trump’s policies would affect the market,” Wilmot said. “We chose companies with good balance sheets that were hurting from uncertainty, and it paid off.”
The team’s diverse portfolio blended stable shares with more liquid, high-risk picks. Their most memorable moment came when they held onto a struggling liquefied natural gas stock, Renergen, that had dropped 80% shortly after purchase. Despite calls to sell, Wilmot stood firm — and the decision later yielded a 105% profit.
“Politics plays a huge role in financial markets,” he added. “Our Renergen trade proved that belief in your research can turn risk into reward.”
Learning through teamwork
For Ewan Bradfield, the experience went beyond trading. “We didn’t follow what everyone else was doing. We took risks, did our research, and learned that success isn’t about luck, it’s about hard work and timing,” he said.
Bradfield described the win as “unreal and absolutely priceless”, noting that the trip to Johannesburg for the awards ceremony was a life-changing experience. “It boosted my confidence and made me realise how much I can achieve if I stay consistent.”
Guiding and growing young investors
While the challenge was entirely student-driven, the group credits Graeme Spring, their teacher, for his encouragement and light-touch mentorship. “He guided us when needed but trusted us to make our own decisions,” said Bradfield. Fellow team member Aeryn Putzier added that support and trust were key to their success.
“We communicated constantly, shared ideas, and trusted each other’s judgment,” she said. “The competition showed me how much there is to learn about finance and how exciting that learning can be.”
A moment of pride for Kingswood
Kingswood’s Head of College Leon Grove expressed deep pride in the team’s achievement. “I am exceptionally proud of our pupils,” he said. “The financial literacy, creativity, and sound decision-making they have demonstrated throughout this challenge are invaluable skills that will serve them well as they pursue further education and step into the world of work.”
The team’s victory has sparked interest among other pupils, with many now asking how they can start investing too. Wilmot joked, “I have to remind them I’m not a licensed financial services provider, yet!”
Looking ahead
Each member of the Renaissance Traders has taken valuable lessons from the experience. Wilmot hopes to pursue a career in finance, while Bradfield plans to continue trading as a hobby. Van Zummeren says the experience has inspired him to study business administration and one day “run his own ship.”
Their story stands as proof that great ideas, hard work, and teamwork can thrive right here in Makhanda, even in the high-stakes world of finance.
“The name Renaissance reflects a new generation of thinkers,” said Putzier. “We’re bringing fresh ideas and innovation to how young people see finance and the world around them.”
