Unmasking drug epidemic through Tuku’s timeless classic

Kusaziva kuti chinodhaka mumuviri hauchina;

Zivai mwero pakuhukasva; Hona mumwe wako chinodhaka mumuviri haachina;

Zivai mwero pakuhukasva;

Hona kudurura, nekudurura, nekudurura chapu;

Zivai mwero pakuhukasva.

The above lines are plucked from the late national hero, Dr Oliver Mtukudzi’s song ‘Kusekana kwanakamba’ from his album ‘Vhunze Moto’.

The song, although released two decades ago, is proving to be a timeless classic as it aptly captures the drug abuse scourge that has gripped the nation.

Alcohol and drugs are being abused with reckless abandon.

Drug abuse is now so rampant and it is now affecting all age groups, men and women.

At the turn of the new millennium when the song was released, drug abuse was more prevalent in male youths. Now young girls have also joined in. While drugs used to be taken secretly in secluded places, they are now being sold and consumed openly.

Some prescribed medical drugs, meant to heal the sick, have become an easy target for abuse.

Cheap illicit brews which are unfortunately being sold in licenced liquor outlets are also contributing to increased alcoholism.

A 250ml bottle of the illicit brews popularly known as ‘tumbwa’, containing 45 percent alcohol, is being sold for US$0.50.

Most imbibers do not even bother diluting these brews, much to the detriment of their health.

Traditional leader, Headman Talkmore Mupambawahle believes that if the right mechanisms are put in place, drug abuse can be curbed.

He said there is need to carry out a root cause analysis of the scourge.

Headman Mupambawahle started by quoting some literature on addiction recovery: “Do not snort and buzz away your life, but put your health ahead of drugs and alcohol, and don’t be a slave.”

“Although the above slogan to inspire addiction recovery and sobriety sounds easy in theory, when people are locked in drug abuse, it sounds really difficult and meaningless.

“Sometimes the abuse of alcohol and drugs is triggered by mental health, social, economic and physical health issues.

“There are many causes of drug abuse and alcoholism, hence the need to have a deep understanding of the root cause of the problem. We cannot just stigmatise, ostracise and criminalise the users without understanding the problem.

“There are people suffering and they need urgent help beyond what we are seeing. Alcohol and drug abuse harms their health. They increase the risk of serious health conditions such as heart disease, mental health and cancer.

“Drugs can lead to social problems such as relationship break-drowns, unemployment, financial difficulties and homelessness. They damage the society through violence, crime and accidents.

“Drug abuse has a danger of producing toxic citizens and harms economic growth,”said Headman Mupambawahle.

He further asserted that there is need to review the current legislative framework and plug all loopholes that are allowing drug peddlers to walk scot-free and continue to harm societies.

“The problem used to be more prevalent in urban areas, but it is on the increase in rural areas as well,”said Headman Mupambawahle.

He said a multi-stakeholder strategic approach for community awareness is needed, adding that there should be harsh penalties for drug suppliers, while more rehabilitation centres should be set up.

Pastor Kennedy Makwenda of One Church Zimbabwe said children growing up in disintegrated families are more likely to fall into the trap of drug abuse.

“Drug abuse is common among our young people for various reasons such as peer pressure, remote parenting, economic hardships and decaying morals in the society.

“Most of the factors are intertwined. Some young people drop out from school and end up loitering on the streets. Some parents have left their children as they work elsewhere. The absence of parental guidance can expose such children to drugs.

“Zimbabwe is largely a Christian nation, and Christian organisations can minister in schools and colleges,” Rev Makwenda proposed.