In a striking move, Zambian actor Owas Mwape has openly shared his family's struggle with drug addiction, aiming to foster dialogue about the issue in a societal context where such matters are often concealed. His son, Mayamiko, has faced addiction, and Mwape is determined to leverage his public persona to help others confronting similar challenges.
"Breaking Silence: Zambian Actor Owas Mwape Tackles Drug Addiction in His Family"
"Breaking Silence: Zambian Actor Owas Mwape Tackles Drug Addiction in His Family"
Owas Mwape's candid appeal on social media shines a light on Zambia's drug crisis and challenges the stigma surrounding addiction.
One of Zambia's leading actors and filmmakers, Owas Mwape, has taken a courageous step by revealing his family’s battle with drug addiction, a topic often shrouded in silence in his country. In a heartfelt Facebook post, the 52-year-old sought advice and support from the public, using his platform to raise awareness about the increasing drug issues affecting many families.
Mwape, a father of six, shared with the BBC that he feels a deep obligation to speak out against the stigma surrounding drug addiction, which often leads parents to hide their children’s struggles. “It's out there and on our doorsteps. We can’t run away from it,” he expressed, highlighting the point that addiction can touch anyone, regardless of their background.
Reflecting on the turmoil that started with his son Mayamiko when he was a teenager, Mwape recounted moments of shock, such as discovering thousands of dollars missing from his bank account, which his son had taken to fuel his drug addiction. This alarming behavior culminated when Mayamiko ran away just before his final school exams, leaving his father heartbroken and confused over the drastic changes in his son’s character.
Despite the pain, Mwape believes in the power of forgiveness and is fighting to maintain a relationship with Mayamiko, who at 23 continues to struggle with his substance abuse. While they recently had an open conversation about the future, communication remains difficult, as Mayamiko often changes his phone number and is vague about his drug use.
Mwape has turned to social media for guidance, hoping to find effective rehabilitation resources, which are scarce in Zambia. Notably, there are no publicly funded rehab centers, prompting some families to send their children abroad for treatment. In his quest for solutions, Mwape has learned that many other parents share similar woes, revealing a widespread issue that has often gone unnoticed.
The actor’s current projects reflect his personal experiences, such as the film "Girls 2 Ladies," which confronts the drug issues plaguing Zambia’s boarding schools. His advocacy has connected him with Zambia's Drug Enforcement Commission, which reports rising drug abuse rates in the nation. The commission's head acknowledges that the increase is linked to societal factors, including family breakdown and peer pressure.
Mwape remains hopeful that his openness will encourage others to address the stigma associated with drug addiction, empowering families to seek help without shame. As he faces the ongoing challenges of his son’s addiction, he is fueled by the belief that change is possible and that with adequate support, his son may one day overcome his struggles. "Sometimes, battles are never won by simply getting into battle – battles are won by employing strategy,” Mwape remarked, indicating his determined approach to not only heal his family but also ignite broader conversations in Zambia.
