Cristal Challenge 2025: Bongiwe Mdiniso’s bold bet in this year’s competition

In the fast-paced world of investing, the Cristal Challenge is a true test of grit—and for Bongiwe Mdiniso, Equity Analyst at Sasfin Wealth, it’s been exactly that.

Having shifted gears from a mining-heavy approach last year, Bongiwe’s 2025 portfolio for the Cristal Challenge backs local resilience through mid- and small-cap stocks like ADvTECH, Southern Sun, WBC, Boxer, and anchor pick Absa. Her selections reflect a belief in South Africa’s potential rebound and a sharper focus on real-world fundamentals.

But the challenge hasn’t been without its curveballs. “It’s like a short-term pressure cooker,” she admits. “One clickbait headline and you start second-guessing everything.” For someone who prefers building long-term theses, learning to navigate market noise and sentiment in real time has been both humbling and enlightening.

Despite sitting in the red, Bongiwe remains committed to her picks. “We’re early in the game. No panic buttons just yet.” For her, conviction isn't just about theory—it’s about staying grounded when the market gets loud.

So, what’s her takeaway so far? That growth—personal and portfolio—is born from discomfort. And if the Cristal Challenge has taught her anything, it’s that discipline and adaptability go hand in hand.

Because sometimes, the biggest win is not backing down when the market gets messy.