In brief
In an unprecedented move, Zambian actor Owas Mwape has illuminated the hidden reality of drug addiction in his family, urging other parents to confront their fears and seek help amidst societal stigma. With a focus on rehabilitation and prevention, Mwape hopes to spark a national dialogue about the growing issue of substance abuse in Zambia.
In a courageous move that challenges longstanding societal taboos, Zambian actor and filmmaker Owas Mwape has publicly shared the heartbreaking struggles of his son Mayamiko with drug addiction. Through a heartfelt Facebook post seeking advice, Mwape aims to raise awareness about Zambia’s increasing substance abuse issues and offer support to other parents grappling with similar challenges in a socially conservative environment.Mwape, a father of six, revealed to the BBC that his intention was to shed light on a problem that many families tend to hide. "I've discovered most parents hide such kind of things, they're hiding their children," he expressed, adding that drug-related issues are "out there and on our doorsteps." His desire to start a conversation stems partly from his personal experience; Mayamiko's addiction has deeply affected their family dynamics over the past several years.Initially, the signs were subtle: missing money and petty theft. However, the situation escalated dramatically when Mayamiko, who is now 23, ran away from home to live on the streets just before crucial exams. Mwape described his son as once being "sparky and generous," making the transformation into addiction all the more shocking. "It’s tough because every child is special and Maya is one of those special kids because he is intelligent,” he lamented.After years of turmoil, Mwape and Mayamiko recently had a candid discussion, which instilled some hope for the father. Mayamiko articulated his desire for help and expressed aspirations for a better future. However, his ambiguous responses about his substance use provoke further concern for Mwape, who feels a pressing need for intervention.Out of desperation and in search of solutions, Mwape turned to social media to inquire about effective rehabilitation centers, a topic that often remains shrouded in silence within Zambian society. His outreach revealed he wasn’t alone; many parents resonated with his plight, prompting numerous messages of shared experiences.Both Mwape and Zambia’s Drug Enforcement Commission have noted a troubling rise in drug abuse within the country, with substances like cannabis, cocaine, and over-the-counter medications being prevalent. Nason Banda, head of the Commission, has reported a staggering 300% increase in treatment cases over the last decade, attributed to factors such as broken families and the normalization of drug culture.For Mwape, the fight against addiction is not just personal but a communal one. He emphasizes the need for a dedicated rehabilitation center funded by the government to help combat this growing crisis. As he continues to navigate his son's recovery journey, Mwape hopes that by being open about his family's struggles, he can encourage other parents to come forward and seek assistance.In his words, “Sometimes, battles are never won by simply getting into battle - battles are won by employing strategy.” Mwape’s proactive approach may just serve as a beacon of hope, inspiring change not only within his household but potentially across an entire nation grappling with the hidden specter of drug addiction.
