In a heartfelt appeal on Facebook, prominent Zambian actor Owas Mwape shares his son's battle with drug addiction, aiming to foster dialogue on a topic often shrouded in stigma within the community.
Zambian Actor Breaks Barriers, Addresses Drug Addiction in Family
Zambian Actor Breaks Barriers, Addresses Drug Addiction in Family
Owas Mwape openly discusses his son's drug addiction, challenging societal norms and sparking crucial conversations in Zambia.
One of Zambia's leading actors and filmmakers, Owas Mwape, has taken a courageous step in confronting one of the nation's persistent stigmas: drug addiction. Admitting the struggles of his son, Mayamiko, who has faced substance abuse issues, Mwape's recent social media appeal seeks guidance while shedding light on Zambia's broader drug crisis.
At 52, Mwape reflects on the disheartening progression of his son's addiction. The actor's initial signs included missing money and petty theft, which eventually culminated in Mayamiko running away just before critical school exams. This revelation has led Mwape into a painful yet transformative journey, one he believes is necessary for other parents grappling with similar challenges.
“The reality is there; we can’t deny it any longer,” Mwape tells the BBC, emphasizing that addiction can touch any family. With five sons and a daughter, he recognizes the fragile balance between parental love and the stigma associated with addiction in Zambia’s conservative society.
Rediscovering connection, Mayamiko now speaks with his father on his terms, offering Mwape a glimmer of hope for reconciliation and healing. “Sometimes, battles are never won by simply getting into battle – battles are won by employing strategy,” he notes, emphasizing the need for support systems instead of punitive measures.
Understanding the dire need for effective rehabilitation options, Mwape is reaching out for solutions. He has discovered that many parents resonate with his experience, echoing his concerns regarding a lack of public rehabilitation centers available in Zambia.
Conversations about drug use in Zambia can no longer be relegated to whispers; they must be met with community support and awareness to combat rising addiction rates. As Mwape continues to use his platform for advocacy, his commitment to both his son and others facing similar plights reflects an evolving narrative about addiction and recovery in Zambia.
