Owas Mwape, one of Zambia’s most beloved actors and filmmakers, challenged a social taboo by revealing on Facebook that one of his young son’s struggles with drug addiction while seeking advice.
The 52-year-old shared with the BBC that he aims to leverage his status as a public figure to shed light on Zambia’s drug issues and support other parents who are concerned about the stigma associated with having a child facing substance abuse in a socially conservative environment.
“I’ve discovered most parents hide such kind of things, they’re hiding their children,” said Mwape, the father of five sons and one daughter.
“It’s out there and on our doorsteps. We can’t run away from it. As long as you send your children to school, know that it could hit your household.”
