‘My son is a drug addict, please help’ - the actor breaking a Zambian taboo

Owas Mwape, a well-known actor and filmmaker in Zambia, has bravely opened up about a deeply personal issue that many families face but often keep hidden. He recently took to Facebook to share that his son, Mayamiko, is struggling with drug addiction. This revelation is significant in a country where discussing such problems is often considered taboo. Owas, who is 52 years old and has six children, hopes that by speaking out, he can help other parents who might be dealing with similar situations. He stated, 'I’ve discovered most parents hide such kind of things, they’re hiding their children. ' Owas believes that drug addiction is a reality that can affect any family, and he wants to encourage open conversations about it. The pain of watching his son struggle has been overwhelming for Owas. He recalls the moment he realized something was wrong when he noticed money missing from his bank account. It turned out that Mayamiko had hacked his phone and stolen around $3,000 over two years. Owas was shocked and saddened, as he had always seen Mayamiko as a bright and generous child. He expressed his feelings by saying, 'It’s a very difficult thing to be a father in the moment that I have found myself in. ' Owas describes the emotional turmoil of being a parent to a child with addiction, comparing it to carrying a heavy burden. He believes that forgiveness is essential in helping his son recover. Owas shared an African proverb, saying, 'Your child is like an axe, it will hammer you and you pick it up and put it on your shoulder. ' This reflects the struggle and love he feels for Mayamiko. Despite the challenges, Owas remains hopeful. He has been able to reconnect with Mayamiko, who is now 23 years old, but their communication is often difficult due to Mayamiko's changing phone numbers. During an interview with the BBC, Owas managed to bring Mayamiko along, and they had an honest conversation about his addiction. Owas asked Mayamiko if he would be willing to work hard if he found a job, to which Mayamiko responded positively. This gave Owas a glimmer of hope, as he believes that Mayamiko has the potential to change his life. However, Owas is frustrated by the lack of clarity regarding the drugs Mayamiko is using. When asked, Mayamiko mentioned that he mostly uses 'cheese,' a term for marijuana, but he often avoids giving direct answers. Owas feels that he needs more information to help his son effectively. In his quest for solutions, Owas turned to social media to seek advice on rehabilitation centers that have successfully helped others. He discovered that there are several private facilities in Zambia, but no publicly funded options. Owas was surprised to find that many parents reached out to him with similar stories, highlighting the widespread nature of the problem. His experiences have also influenced his work in film. Owas produced a movie called 'Girls 2 Ladies,' which addresses drug issues in boarding schools. He believes it is crucial for parents to be aware of the environments they send their children to. Owas's oldest son, Maxwell, is also involved in filmmaking and has directed a movie about addiction called 'The Flask. ' Owas has been researching drug issues in Zambia and spoke with Nason Banda, the head of the Drug Enforcement Commission. Nason revealed that drug abuse is on the rise, with many people using substances like cannabis, cocaine, and even over-the-counter medications. Owas hopes that by sharing his family's story, he can help break the silence surrounding drug addiction in Zambia. He wants to encourage other families to seek help and support rather than suffer in silence. Owas believes that addressing these issues openly is vital for the well-being of the community. He remains determined to help Mayamiko and is optimistic that with the right support, his son can overcome his addiction. Owas concluded by saying, 'Sometimes, battles are never won by simply getting into battle - battles are won by employing strategy. ' He is committed to finding the best path forward for his family and hopes to inspire others to do the same.