In brief
In a bold move, Zambian actor Owas Mwape goes public about his son's drug addiction, urging parents to confront the realities of substance abuse in a largely conservative society. Through his open dialogue, Mwape hopes to encourage others struggling with similar issues to seek help and initiate necessary changes within their families.
One of the most recognized figures in Zambian cinema, actor and filmmaker Owas Mwape has shattered a long-standing social taboo by opening up about his son Mayamiko's struggle with drug addiction. In a heartfelt Facebook post, Mwape sought advice from his followers, using his influential status to shed light on the pervasive issue of substance abuse in Zambia.The 52-year-old, a father of six, revealed to the BBC that his aim is to encourage other parents grappling with the stigma of having a child with addiction. "Most parents hide such things," Mwape explained, addressing the reluctance many feel to discuss these issues in a conservative society. "It’s out there and on our doorsteps. As long as you send your children to school, know that it could hit your household."Mwape shared the painful reality he has faced for the past four to five years as his son's struggles mounted. Mayamiko, now 23, began exhibiting troubling behavior during his teenage years, which included stealing money to fuel his addiction. The situation escalated when he ran away just before his final-year exams, leaving the family in shock."Being a father at this moment is incredibly tough," Mwape said, reflecting on the changes in Mayamiko's personality when under the influence. He expressed his belief in the need to forgive and support children facing addiction, citing an African proverb about the resilience of a child being akin to an axe used for labor.Despite recent reconnections with Mayamiko, the relationship remains strained, with the son frequently changing phone numbers to maintain control over communication. Mwape remains hopeful, understanding that effective rehabilitation requires Mayamiko's willingness to change. During a recent emotionally charged interview, Mayamiko indicated he wanted help but struggled to articulate his drug use openly.In seeking solutions, Mwape turned to Facebook not only for personal advice but to unite parents confronting similar issues. He discovered a community of others experiencing the same struggles and expressed concern over the lack of publicly funded rehab centers in Zambia.Mwape's commitment to addressing drug addiction extends into his artistic endeavors. His production company has been creating films that tackle taboo subjects, such as "Girls 2 Ladies," which focuses on drug use in boarding schools. He emphasizes that vigilance is essential when choosing educational institutions for children in an era where drug availability is a constant threat.The actor's openness about his son's addiction has caught the attention of Zambia’s Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), whose director, Nason Banda, reported a dramatic increase in drug abuse within the past decade. Banda pointed to factors like broken families, peer pressure, and the glorification of drug culture as contributing to the growing problem.By sharing his family's struggles, Mwape aims to ignite a broader dialogue on drug addiction and enlist greater community involvement in finding solutions. He firmly believes that awareness can help change outcomes for countless families and prevent the cycle of addiction from continuing unnoticed. The pain of watching a loved one battle addiction may never fully dissipate, but Mwape is determined that, with the right strategies, there is hope for recovery.
