In brief
Owas Mwape, a prominent Zambian actor and filmmaker, breaks societal taboos by publicly sharing his son's battle with drug addiction. Through his personal story, he hopes to encourage dialogue and collective action against the rising drug issues in Zambia, shedding light on a crucial yet often hidden problem.
Owas Mwape, a 52-year-old actor and filmmaker, has bravely confronted a deeply rooted societal taboo in Zambia by admitting that one of his sons, Mayamiko, has fallen into drug addiction. Mwape's heartfelt plea for assistance on Facebook is not just a father’s call for help but a significant act aimed at destigmatizing the challenges many families face regarding substance abuse in the conservative Zambian society."Most parents hide these issues, keeping their children a secret," Mwape shared in an interview with the BBC. He has five sons and one daughter, and his journey as a father has been shadowed by concerns about drug use among the youth. "As long as you send your children to school, be aware that addiction can touch any household."The family's ordeal began when Mwape noticed money missing from his accounts, tracing it back to his son hacking into his phone and stealing around $3,000 (about £2,300). Following a series of troubling behaviors that culminated in Mayamiko running away from home just before his final exams, Mwape's heartache deepened as he realized the depth of his son's struggles.Describing his son as once "sparky and generous," Mwape expressed the agony of witnessing a profound change in his demeanor due to drug usage. He conveyed how painful it is to be a parent in such circumstances, creating a powerful message for other families facing similar crises. “You must forgive your child to help them,” he reflected, recalling an African proverb likening a child to an axe that can both injure and be carried.Recently, Mayamiko reached out to his father after a period of estrangement, albeit on his terms, which offered Mwape some measure of hope for a potential turnaround. During their candid conversation, Mayamiko expressed a desire for help and was encouraged by his father’s questions about future employment.However, the situation remains precarious as Mayamiko is often ambiguous about his drug use. His admission of using "cheese," or marijuana, has prompted Mwape to search for effective rehabilitation options, a challenge compounded by the stigma surrounding addiction in Zambia.Mwape’s call for help on social media has resonated with other parents experiencing similar issues, prompting numerous private messages of shared struggles. His experiences have influenced his recent film projects, including "Girls 2 Ladies," which addresses drug issues in boarding schools, highlighting the urgent need for parental awareness and proactive engagement in their children’s environments.Zambia's Drug Enforcement Commission has noted a significant rise in drug abuse cases, with drug trends increasingly troubling for families. The head of the agency, Nason Banda, acknowledged the challenges posed by broken families and the allure of drugs among youth, advocating for intervention strategies over punitive measures.Through his advocacy, Mwape hopes to bring the conversation about addiction into the open, moving away from denial and fostering a supportive community for families. While the emotional toll of being a parent in such a crisis is heavy, Mwape remains committed to finding effective strategies to help Mayamiko reclaim his life and inspire other families to do the same. “Battles are won by strategy, and I believe I am moving in the right direction,” he concluded.
