Breaking Silence on Drug Addiction: A Zambian Actor's Brave Stand

In a heartfelt Facebook appeal, Zambian actor Owas Mwape reveals his son's battle with drug addiction, prompting a discussion on the stigma surrounding substance abuse in Zambia. Mwape's brave admission aims to encourage other parents to confront their fears and seek help, as he shares insights into familial pain, societal neglect, and the urgent need for effective rehabilitation options.

One of Zambia's foremost actors and filmmakers, Owas Mwape, is breaking societal silence surrounding drug addiction by publicly addressing his son's struggles with substance abuse. The 52-year-old has taken to Facebook to seek guidance and share his story, allowing his experience to shine a light on a pressing issue in his conservative society.

Mwape, who is the father of six, including his son Mayamiko, is determined to confront the stigma surrounding addiction, explaining, "Many parents conceal such problems, fearing judgment." He stressed the reality that addiction can touch any family and emphasized the need for open discussions about the issue.

Mayamiko’s troubles began when he was a teenager, marked by theft and deceit as he accessed his father's funds, eventually leading him to homelessness. Mwape reflects on the emotional turmoil this has caused him, stating, "Being a father in this situation is heartbreaking; it’s tough watching someone you love struggle."

Although Mayamiko has recently reestablished communication with his father, interactions are sporadic and often leave Mwape feeling unsettled about the specific substances his son is consuming. Notably, during their recent dialogue, Mayamiko expressed a desire for assistance in changing his lifestyle, raising hopes for a potential positive path forward.

His father has appealed for assistance on social media, igniting conversations about the availability of rehabilitative resources in Zambia. Despite the existence of private treatment options, the lack of publicly funded facilities has left many families in desperation. "I have received a flood of messages from parents who face similar hardships," Mwape noted.

In his filmmaking endeavors, Mwape seeks to reflect these personal experiences, recently producing a project titled Girls 2 Ladies, which exposes drug issues within boarding schools. His family's plight has not only inspired his art but has also connected him with Zambia’s Drug Enforcement Commission, which acknowledges an alarming rise in substance abuse across the nation.

In closing, Mwape hopes his transparency about his son's struggles will foster a broader dialogue in Zambia, enabling other parents to seek help and break free from the isolation that often accompanies addiction. "Battles require strategic engagement, and I'm optimistic that my efforts will lead to my son's recovery," he concluded.