In brief
Renowned Zambian actor Owas Mwape courageously opens up about his son's drug addiction, challenging stigmas and encouraging conversations around substance abuse in a nation grappling with these issues. He seeks to inspire other parents to confront similar challenges through openness and awareness.
In a heartfelt social media post, Zambian actor and filmmaker Owas Mwape has dared to breach a significant cultural taboo, revealing that his son Mayamiko is struggling with drug addiction. Mwape, 52, is utilizing his public platform to bring visibility to the growing problem of substance abuse in Zambia, a country where many parents often feel compelled to conceal such issues due to social stigma. Mwape, father to five sons and one daughter, stated, "Most parents hide such kind of things, they're hiding their children." He is determined to highlight that drug addiction is not an isolated issue; it could impact any family that sends children to school. The actor, known for his acclaimed films like "Mwansa the Great", recounted his family's journey over the last several years, marked by painful revelations about Mayamiko, now 23, who initially resorted to stealing money for drugs before running away before his final school exams to live on the streets.Reflecting on the toll that this situation has taken on both him and his son, Mwape expressed, “It’s a very difficult thing to be a father in the moment that I have found myself in.” He lamented how his son, whom he describes as intelligent and generous, transforms when under the influence of drugs, describing the struggle as deeply painful.Despite their challenging interactions, Mayamiko has recently re-established contact with his father, although their conversations come with complexities. Mwape's hope lies in Mayamiko's expressed desire to change, as seen during an emotionally charged interview where he questioned Mayamiko about his commitment to sobriety. "Are you promising us that you will stay away from drugs?" Mwape asked, to which his son cautiously responded, "Yeah," a sign that perhaps change is a possibility. The relationship dynamic remains fraught, however, as Mayamiko continues to obscure details about the specifics of his addiction. This sentiment fuels Mwape’s urgency for intervention, prompting him to seek out rehab facilities in Zambia—a search that often leads to limited resources, as private options abound while public funding remains scarce. In his quest for solutions, Mwape has also engaged in creating insightful films highlighting similar issues. His recent work, "Girls 2 Ladies," tackles drug problems prevalent in boarding schools, shedding light on the blind spots parents may overlook regarding their children's environments.Zambia's Drug Enforcement Commission, led by Nason Banda, acknowledges that the nation is grappling with worsening drug abuse, with substances like cannabis, cocaine, and over-the-counter medicines being common among users. Banda cites factors such as broken families and peer pressure as contributors to the escalating crisis. Mwape echoes the need for society to tackle these issues collectively instead of resorting to punitive measures like imprisonment, which he believes fail to address the deeper problems at hand.Through his openness about the distressing realities facing his family, Mwape not only aims to foster understanding and solidarity among parents but also to challenge Zambia to emerge from its state of denial regarding addiction. He remains steadfast in his belief that despite the emotional turmoil, strategic efforts in addressing the issue will eventually yield results, allowing Mayamiko—and others grappling with similar battles—to find a path toward recovery. In this way, Mwape represents not only the pain of a father but also a beacon of hope for many families in Zambia facing the harrowing realities of drug addiction.
