Breaking the Silence: A Zambian Actor's Struggle with His Son's Drug Addiction

Owas Mwape, a well-known Zambian actor, has publicly addressed his son Mayamiko's battle with drug addiction, challenging societal taboos and advocating for parents to confront substance abuse openly. Through personal experiences and media influence, Mwape aims to inspire a cultural shift around addiction support in Zambia.

One of Zambia's renowned actors and filmmakers, Owas Mwape, has bravely exposed a deep-seated societal taboo by confessing that his young son is grappling with drug addiction. In an emotional appeal on Facebook, the 52-year-old leveraged his platform to shed light on the nation’s escalating drug crisis, aiming to support other parents who may be concealing similar struggles due to societal stigma. "Most parents hide such kind of things, they're hiding their children," Mwape remarked, emphasizing the pervasive nature of addiction that can affect any household.

Mwape, who is a father to six children, shared poignant details of the turmoil that has unraveled his family over the past few years. His son Mayamiko, now 23, fell into addiction during his teenage years, prompting a series of distressing events, including theft and ultimately running away from home. Mwape expressed disbelief at his son’s drastic change, recalling the spirited and generous boy he once knew. "It's tough because every child is special, and Maya is one of those special kids because he is intelligent," he lamented.

Despite the challenges, Mwape articulated the importance of forgiveness in aiding recovery, echoing an African proverb, "Your child is like an axe; it will hammer you, and you pick it up and put it on your shoulder." Recently, Mayamiko re-established contact with his father, though their interactions remain inconsistent, raising concerns about his well-being. During an interview, they shared a candid dialogue about Mayamiko’s desire to change and his struggle with drugs, including using marijuana and other substances.

Seeking answers and assistance, Mwape turned to Facebook for advice on effective rehabilitation centers, revealing a surprising number of parents grappling with similar issues. He highlighted the lack of publicly funded facilities in Zambia, noting that many families resort to private care or even sending their children abroad for treatment.

Mwape’s journey has influenced his creative work, leading to productions that address difficult topics such as drug addiction in schools. His son Maxwell's upcoming film, "The Flask," portrays the harrowing descent of alcohol dependency. These projects are part of Mwape's broader effort to encourage parental vigilance regarding their children's environments, particularly concerning their education.

In discussions with Nason Banda, head of the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), Mwape learned that drug abuse has escalated in Zambia, with societal factors contributing to this crisis. Banda underscored the necessity for comprehensive approaches to tackle substance abuse, advocating for rehabilitation over incarceration.

Through his openness about Mayamiko’s struggles, Mwape hopes to break the cycle of denial surrounding addiction in Zambian society. Recognizing that healing is a complex journey, he maintains optimism, stating, "Battles are won by employing strategy," and believes that with the right support, his son can overcome addiction.