Actor Owas Mwape Breaks Silence on Son's Drug Addiction, Destigmatizing Substance Abuse in Zambia

Owas Mwape, one of Zambia's leading actors and filmmakers, has bravely addressed a persistent social taboo by revealing his son's struggle with drug addiction. In an emotional appeal on Facebook, the 52-year-old acknowledged the growing issue of substance abuse in Zambia, aiming to help parents grappling with the stigma of having a child with addiction in a traditionally conservative society.In an interview with the BBC, Mwape emphasized the hidden realities many families face, stating, "I've discovered most parents hide such kind of things, they're hiding their children." He underscored the urgency of acknowledging the problem, which has dramatically affected his own family over the past few years.His son, Mayamiko, now 23, began showing signs of a troubled life as a teenager, starting with minor thefts and culminating in his decision to live on the streets just before important school exams. Mwape shared his disbelief that Mayamiko, whom he described as intelligent and generous, could fall into drug use. He highlighted the drastic change in his son's demeanor when under the influence, further painting a picture of the family's struggle.Despite the challenges, the bond remains. Mwape revealed that Mayamiko is now in sporadic contact, although he often uses different phone numbers, complicating their communication. Yet, Mwape retains hope that change is possible, emphasizing the need for his son to desire recovery.During their candid exchange, Mayamiko expressed a willingness to change, admitting he needs help but struggling to be forthright about his drug choices. The actor underscored the necessity for intervention, as their discussions often reveal inconsistencies in Mayamiko's statements.In his quest to find appropriate rehabilitation options, Mwape reached out via social media for recommendations, noting a lack of publicly funded facilities in Zambia. His post unexpectedly resonated with many parents sharing similar experiences of addiction within their families.Mwape's experience has also prompted changes in the film projects he pursues, including a new production aimed at shedding light on drug abuse in schools. He believes it’s crucial for parents to be vigilant regarding the environments they expose their children to.Furthermore, Mwape commended Nason Banda, head of Zambia’s Drug Enforcement Commission, who advocates for treatment over incarceration in addressing addiction. Banda expressed concern over the increasing prevalence of drug abuse in Zambia, linking it to family issues and the easy availability of narcotics.Mwape hopes that by being open regarding his son’s battle, he can destigmatize addiction and encourage other families to confront the issue head-on. Reflecting on his journey, he maintains that while the pain of being a parent with a child in trouble is profound, he is committed to finding a path to recovery for Mayamiko. "Sometimes, battles are never won by simply getting into battle - battles are won by employing strategy," Mwape stated, confident that he is heading in the right direction.