What do the Zama Zamas of South Africa’s mining catastrophe have in common with Trump’s new meme coin?

You may have heard of the tragic mining catastrophe in South Africa, with varying reports about what happened and why. At its core, miners known as zama zamas—a term that translates from Zulu to “take a chance”—descended as deep as two kilometers into abandoned mines. Many became trapped underground for months, with little effort from authorities to rescue them, and some speculate the government allowed this as a form of punishment.

I won’t go into all the details here, but I want to highlight the mindset that drove these miners to risk their lives in such desperate conditions. The zama zamas believed they had nothing to lose. They felt so trapped in life, with no way forward, that they were willing to take illegal, highly dangerous chances. Tragically, they didn’t anticipate the devastating consequences that followed.

This “take a chance” mentality—born from desperation—offers a valuable lesson for all of us, particularly in the world of investing and trading.

What Drives Risky Behavior in the Markets?

The same sense of being “cornered” leads many traders and investors to make reckless financial decisions. They feel stuck—whether it’s struggling with debt, falling short of their financial goals, or simply feeling impatient with slow progress.

When faced with financial pressure or the fear of missing out (FOMO), these individuals often abandon sound judgment. Instead of focusing on long-term growth through disciplined investing, they gamble on speculative ventures: unproven ideas, meme coins, or hot stocks that promise overnight riches.

The market’s “get rich quick” allure tempts them to ignore risks. They jump on board because they’re desperate to escape their financial situation or because they’re dazzled by the meteoric rise of a trend. Like the Zama zamas, they hope for a life-changing payoff but often end up facing serious losses.

The Danger of Gambling with Your Future

There’s a saying: “Don’t corner a rat.” When people feel trapped in their financial lives, they may act impulsively, making decisions that seem like an escape but ultimately cause more harm than good.

The problem with taking excessive risks is that it rarely works out. People who suffer financial losses lose more than just money—they lose confidence and clarity of thought, making it even harder to recover. Big risks can wreak havoc on your financial stability and your peace of mind.

The Path to Financial Clarity and Long-Term Success

The antidote to this risk-taking mindset is realizing that sustainable wealth is built through prudent, calculated risks. There are proven strategies that can deliver consistent, meaningful returns over time—strategies that require patience, research, and discipline.

When you focus on long-term, quality investments, you’ll start to see how steady growth can transform your financial future. Use a financial calculator to project 20 or 30 years into the future. You’ll be amazed by how wealth compounds when you make smart, disciplined decisions year after year.

There’s no need to gamble your hard-earned money on speculative ventures that might double your investment but could also lose 70% (or more) in a flash. With the right approach, you can build wealth without losing sleep over wild market swings.

If you’re feeling stuck or unsure how to start, I’d be happy to help—pro bono. Together, we can create a plan that brings clarity to your financial journey and helps you feel good about your progress.