In brief
Owas Mwape, a prominent actor in Zambia, publicly addresses his son's drug addiction, shedding light on the stigma surrounding substance abuse in a conservative society. His candid appeal for help marks a significant step toward fostering open conversations about addiction's impact on families and the importance of seeking effective rehabilitation.
In a bold move to confront societal stigmas surrounding drug addiction, Zambian actor and filmmaker Owas Mwape shared on Facebook his struggles with having a son battling substance abuse. Acknowledging his own emotional turmoil, Mwape explained that as a public figure, he felt compelled to reveal the harsh realities of drug dependency in Zambia, aiming to help parents who may be facing similar challenges while fearing societal judgment.Mwape, 52, a father of six, including a 23-year-old son named Mayamiko, disclosed that the family's journey through addiction has been painful and disruptive over the past several years. The catalyst for concern came when he observed missing funds from his bank account, later discovering that Mayamiko had allegedly hacked his phone and embezzled around $3,000 intended for his education. The situation escalated when Mayamiko absconded just before his final examinations, choosing to live on the streets.The actor reflected on the almost unrecognizable change in personality Mayamiko exhibited when under the influence of drugs, highlighting the profound distress it has caused him as a parent. "Every child is special," Mwape mentioned, expressing his admiration for Mayamiko’s intelligence despite the troubled path he has taken. He reiterated the necessity for understanding and forgiveness in the healing process, drawing upon an African proverb that emphasizes parental resilience – "Your child is like an axe; it will hammer you, and you pick it up and put it on your shoulder."Although Mayamiko has recently reestablished contact with his father, the inconsistencies in their communication pose ongoing challenges. However, Mwape remains optimistic. During their recent interview, he engaged Mayamiko in a heartfelt discussion about the possibility of employment and a lifestyle change, which sparked a glimmer of hope for their relationship moving forward.Despite this optimistic dialogue, Mwape voiced frustration over his son's inconsistency in discussing the drugs he uses, citing a need for intervention and support. In a candid moment, Mayamiko identified marijuana, referred to as "cheese," as one of his drug choices, shedding light on the often hidden world of youth addiction.Motivated by his family's experiences, Mwape took to social media seeking recommendations for reputable rehabilitation centers, stressing the importance of success stories in a cultural landscape where addiction is seldom discussed. Interestingly, despite the abundance of private rehab facilities, Zambia lacks a publicly funded option, pushing some families to seek help abroad.Additionally, Mwape's own struggles have shaped the narrative in his recent films, which tackle addiction-related topics that he describes as "un-Zambian." His recent projects include "Girls 2 Ladies," which addresses drug issues within boarding schools, and his eldest son’s film "The Flask," depicting the harrowing tale of alcoholism.Researching projects on addiction has led Mwape to connect with Zambia's Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), whose head, Nason Banda, has prioritized young people's interventions rather than punitive measures. Banda revealed alarming statistics that indicate a 300% increase in drug-related cases over the past decade, with drugs such as cannabis, cocaine, heroin, and codeine cough syrup becoming increasingly problematic.Banda attributed the rise in drug abuse to broken family structures and the ease of access to substances, emphasizing the need for comprehensive approaches in combating the drug trade. He echoed Mwape's call for a government-funded rehab center, which could serve as a crucial resource for families grappling with addiction.By sharing his painful reality, Mwape aims to spark an essential dialogue on drug addiction in Zambia, ultimately hoping to change perceptions and offer support to other families. While he acknowledges his ongoing battle, he believes that employing strategic approaches will lead to a brighter future for Mayamiko and countless others struggling with addiction. "Sometimes, battles are never won by simply getting into battle - battles are won by employing strategy," Mwape concluded with hopeful determination.
