tawandamusarurwa
Society Reporter
NEWS that Wayne Ndlovu, a 16-year-old Form Four learner from Founders High School, had been fatally stabbed by his peer from Hamilton High School was both shocking and disturbing.
His funeral service, which was held at Founders High School, was moving, particularly for his family and friends.
The tragedy left many people wondering what has become of today’s youths.
It is worrying that most young people are increasingly dabbling in Satanism, gang violence, drug abuse and violence, among other unspeakable aberrations.
As if that is not enough, suicide cases among youths are also worryingly on the rise.
Satanism
Parents and guardians are concerned that cases of Satanism may be rising, especially at boarding schools.
A couple of years ago, some parents had to withdraw their children from a school in Goromonzi after it emerged that as many as 480 learners had been exposed to Satanism.
Similar incidents were reported at several other schools in Mutare, Rusape and other areas across the country.
Last year, Blackfordby Primary School in Harare was forced to close following reports that one of the teachers at the institution had bitten five children in a suspected ritual case.
A primary school in Kuwadzana, Harare, also recorded a similar case.
“Young people are taking their own lives with reckless abandon. Satanism, drug and substance abuse are rife in schools,” said Pastor George Dhliwayo of the Great Restoration International Ministries.
“The youths are also engaging in senseless violent gang wars. This generation needs redemption.”
Families, he said, need to be strong in prayer.
“The Westernisation of communities is taking its toll on the youth. Young people are being exposed to all kinds of violence. Apart from lack of parental guidance, I believe the majority of the religions have been diluted and no longer serve a meaningful purpose.”
Traditional healer Gogo Mamoyo (born Letwin Nyanguwo) agrees.
“We have families in which parents and children attend different churches. Without parental guidance, the children are being exposed to Satanism,” said the Chitungwiza-based traditional healer.
Violence
Inter-school gang violence is similarly on the rise.
Bulawayo acting police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, recently expressed concern over the increase in violence involving schoolchildren.
“It is unacceptable. As parents, let us monitor our children,” she said.
It is believed cases of gang brawls have been rife at other Bulawayo boys’ schools such as Hamilton, Milton and Gifford High.
It is the same for other schools in the capital.
Most of the rivalries are apparently driven by the need to control supposed “territories” in the city centre.
Generational beliefs of enmity are also passed down to new learners by seniors during orientation.
Zimbabwe Civil Liberties and Drug Network director Mr Wilson Box said social media is exposing young people to all kinds of bad things.
“Some parents are spending most of their time away from their children and are not monitoring their movements and what they are accessing on social media,” he said.
“The internet and some social media platforms have a bad influence on young people.”
Parents, he said, need to have a measured approach when dealing with young people.
“We have parents who shower their children with cash and do not monitor how that money is used. Instead of giving children lots of money, let us take them to church and encourage them to join youth groups where they will engage themselves in constructive discourse.”
Ms Noreen Kudzanai Wini Dari, a community psychologist, said a number of factors contribute to gang-related violence among youths.
“It is a mixture of many contributing factors. Some social factors result in the decline in poor mental health. So, we need to have a look at the background of the perpetrators, then come to a conclusion as to what might have influenced their behaviour,” she said.
Suicide
Reports of young people committing suicide have also been equally distressing.
Tinotenda Zikonya, a 20-year-old Harare man, recently hung himself on a mango tree outside his estranged lover’s house in Kuwadzana after his girlfriend ended their relationship.
Another young Harare man miraculously cheated death when he plunged from a building in a suicide attempt.
Drug abuse
Experts opine that most challenges faced by youths are caused by drugs.
The authorities are not only going after drug dealers and peddlers, but will also be establishing specialised medical facilities to help survivors of substance abuse. Addressing young people during National Youth Day commemorations on Tuesday last week, President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe is currently working towards a drug-free society.
The theme for this year’s National Youth Day was: “Drug and Substance Abuse: A threat to Vision 2030, every community has a responsibility”.
Online Reporter