By 
The Director of OPEN Development Media, Chester Mweenda, has attributed the growing problem of youth substance abuse—often referred to as the rise of “junkies”—to the erosion of family structures and traditional values in Zambia.
In a telephone interview with Zambia Monitor, Mweenda emphasized the urgent need for communities to rebuild strong family units grounded in cultural norms that once held Zambian society together.
“The rise in ‘junkies’ is a result of a weakened family system,” he said. “We need to develop mechanisms that will strengthen families and revive the traditional values that once bonded our communities.” Mweenda noted that society has evolved in a way that often leaves children neglected, pushing them toward dangerous lifestyles. “Survival of the fittest shouldn’t mean we forget about family. We must embrace one another and promote love and unity,” he urged.
Reflecting on past generations, Mweenda highlighted how communal living once served as a safety net, even during difficult times.
“Our great-grandfathers lived long lives because they understood the importance of family. They supported one another, even when they had very little,” he said.
He also criticized the increasing influence of Western individualism, arguing that it undermines Zambia’s communal heritage. “The traditional way of life was effective—not this Western model we’ve adopted. We’re not yet ready to live in isolation,” he said.
Mweenda further linked the rise in youth substance abuse to family breakdown, a problem he says was rare under traditional family systems.
“Many of our children are turning to drugs because of family neglect, something we didn’t see when communities lived as one under traditional values,” he added.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments