The Awakened Post

Gambling has long been marketed as harmless entertainment —an exciting pastime promising the possibility of quick wealth and instant success . But behind the bright lights, cheerful jingles, and polished casino ads lies a growing social issue that affects millions of individuals and families across the world. The harsh reality is that gambling, especially in its modern and digital forms , is destroying lives at a rate far greater than many people realize. At first glance, gambling seems harmless. A small bet, a friendly game, buying a lottery ticket, or placing a wager online feels like nothing more than casual fun. But the danger lies in how quickly casual gambling can turn into compulsive behavior. The human brain responds to uncertainty and reward by releasing dopamine —the same chemical linked to addiction. Over time, a person may begin to chase wins, believing that the next bet will be the one that finally changes their life. Instead, what follows is a cycle of loss, denial, and...

In 2025, savers are finding more attractive returns with high-yield savings accounts (HYSAs) than at any point in recent memory. With online banks offering rates up to 5.00%, Americans now have viable, low-risk options to grow their emergency funds or short-term savings. This comprehensive guide explores the top HYSA providers, explains how these accounts work, and outlines key factors to consider before opening one. What Is a High-Yield Savings Account? A high-yield savings account functions like a traditional savings account but offers a substantially higher annual percentage yield (APY). These accounts are typically provided by online-only banks or credit unions, enabling them to pass savings on overhead to customers in the form of better rates. Unlike certificates of deposit (CDs), HYSAs allow easy access to funds—usually up to six free withdrawals per month—while maintaining FDIC or NCUA insurance coverage up to $250,000 per depositor ( nerdwallet.com ). Why High-Yield Accoun...

Economic systems define how societies allocate resources, distribute wealth, and structure power. The three dominant models capitalism, communism, and socialism each present unique benefits and drawbacks. While capitalism dominates global economics, its flaws, particularly in unequal societies like South Africa, raise questions about sustainability. Meanwhile, South Africa operates a mixed economy, blending market-driven policies with socialist interventions—though corruption and capitalist lobbying often distort its effectiveness.   This article critically examines these economic systems, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses, before analyzing how South Africa’s mixed model functions despite systemic challenges.   1. Capitalism: Profit Over People? Capitalism is an economic system where private entities control production, trade, and industry for profit, with minimal government interference.   Disadvantages of Capitalism: Wealth Inequality – Capital ...

  By Olebogeng Motsanana, As we progress through 2025, the global economy presents a complex landscape shaped by ongoing trade wars, shifting alliances, and evolving economic policies. These dynamics have profound implications not only for nations but also for ordinary citizens worldwide. A Snapshot of the Global Economic Landscape The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects a global GDP growth of 3.2% for 2025, indicating a modest recovery from previous years' downturns. Advanced economies are expected to grow by 1.5%, while emerging markets may see growth rates around 4.3% . However, these optimistic figures are tempered by the uncertainties introduced by trade conflicts and protectionist policies. Trade Wars: A Double-Edged Sword The resurgence of trade wars, particularly between major economies like the United States and China, has introduced volatility into global markets. In early 2025, the U.S. imposed tariffs averaging 145% on Chinese imports, prompting retaliato...

The profound questions that have long occupied the human mind—"Why am I here?" and "For what purpose do I exist?"—have sparked introspection and debate across generations. Over time, these questions expand to include broader inquiries: "Why are we here?" and "Where do we come from?" These enduring questions have no clear or universally accepted answers, as humanity continues to seek understanding. Science, African spirituality, religion, and other belief systems all provide perspectives, yet none have achieved consensus. So, the question arises: Who is right, and who is wrong? Should there even be a right or wrong side? To offer clarity, it is essential to explore the core concepts of the belief systems mentioned above. First, let us examine African spirituality. African Spirituality African spirituality is a holistic belief system grounded in the understanding that the spirit world, ancestors, and supernatural beings are integral to human life. ...

The introduction of Starlink, the satellite internet service developed by SpaceX, has created a global buzz due to its potential to revolutionize internet access, especially in rural and remote areas. Founded by Elon Musk, Starlink aims to provide high-speed, low-latency internet using a network of satellites in low Earth orbit. While this service offers many advantages, its expansion into South Africa has been met with significant friction between the South African government and Elon Musk’s company. This article explores the benefits of Starlink and delves into the reasons for the disagreement between Musk and the South African government. The Promise of Starlink for South Africa 1. Improved Internet Access for Rural Areas One of the key advantages of Starlink is its ability to provide internet access to underserved and rural regions, where traditional broadband infrastructure is limited or non-existent. In South Africa, a large percentage of the population lives in remote areas wher...

The origins of Black people, as the oldest known human race, have long been a subject of fascination and scientific study. Genetic and archaeological evidence supports the understanding that humans, specifically modern Homo sapiens, originated in Africa, making Black people the direct descendants of these early humans. In this article, we will explore the scientific basis for this claim, the historical migrations of ancient Africans, and how this has shaped modern humanity. The African Origin of Homo Sapiens Africa is widely recognized as the birthplace of humanity. The "Out of Africa" theory, which is supported by genetic, fossil, and archaeological evidence, posits that all modern humans have their roots in a single population of Homo sapiens that lived in Africa between 200,000 and 300,000 years ago. One of the most compelling pieces of evidence for this theory comes from genetic studies. Mitochondrial DNA, which is passed down maternally, has shown that the oldest genetic...

Introduction South Africans can look forward to some financial relief in July 2024 as fuel prices are set to decrease significantly. This reduction is a welcome change amidst the ongoing economic challenges faced by many citizens. The decrease in fuel prices is influenced by various factors, including global oil prices and the exchange rate between the US Dollar and the South African Rand. This article will explore the details of the upcoming fuel price changes and discuss the broader economic implications, particularly focusing on the relationship between the Dollar and the Rand. Fuel Price Reductions The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy has announced substantial reductions in fuel prices for July 2024: - 93 Unleaded Petrol: Decrease by R1.05 per liter. - 95 Unleaded Petrol: Decrease by 99 cents per liter. - 500ppm Diesel: Decrease by 30 cents per liter. - 50ppm Diesel: Decrease by 24 cents per liter. - Illuminating Paraffin: Decrease by 18 cents per liter. source: ...

Introduction The inferiority complex among Black people is a deeply rooted psychological issue with historical, social, and economic dimensions. This complex often manifests in self-deprecating behaviors and attitudes that lead individuals to undervalue themselves and others within their community. One of the most visible expressions of this complex is the emphasis on materialistic wealth, where the worth of an individual is often judged by their possessions rather than their intrinsic value. This article explores the origins of this inferiority complex, its impact on interpersonal relationships within Black communities, and strategies to overcome these challenges. Historical Context Slavery and Colonialism The roots of the inferiority complex among Black people can be traced back to the eras of slavery and colonialism. These periods were marked by systemic dehumanization and oppression of Black individuals, who were often portrayed as inferior to their white counterparts. This histori...

Introduction South Africa, the continent's most industrialized nation, faces a complex economic landscape characterized by significant challenges and opportunities. Despite its abundant natural resources and well-developed infrastructure, the country grapples with persistent issues of unemployment and economic inequality. This article delves into the current economic climate in South Africa, examining the root causes of job scarcity, the impact on society, and potential strategies for improvement. The Current Economic Climate South Africa's economy has been under significant strain over the past decade. Various factors have contributed to its sluggish growth, including political instability, corruption, and structural issues within key industries. According to the World Bank, South Africa's GDP growth rate has been stagnant, hovering around 0.2% in recent years, far below the levels needed to reduce unemployment and poverty. Key Economic Indicators - GDP Growth: South Afri...