PEN AGAINST POWDER! Author takes drug war to schools

Blessing Karubwa, Showbiz Reporter

AWARD-WINNING Filabusi author Maqhawe Masuku is taking his fight against drug and substance abuse beyond the pages of his novel, with plans to roll out awareness campaigns in schools across Insiza District while also appealing for support to translate his celebrated book into Shona.

Masuku, whose 202-page Ndebele novel ‘Mhla Zinhlanu kuLwezi‘ was launched last year as a bold literary weapon against substance abuse, says the time has now come to place the book directly into the hands of young people, the group most vulnerable to the drug scourge.

“I want to do drug awareness campaigns right across Insiza District and beyond, starting with both primary and secondary schools,” said Masuku.

“My novel speaks directly about the social ills brought by drug abuse among our youth. It is more than just a story; it is a tool for transformation.”

Masuku said he was deeply inspired by Emmerson Mnangagwa’s recent Independence Day remarks, in which the President reiterated Government’s zero-tolerance stance on drugs, a theme that strongly mirrors the message at the heart of his book.

“That message confirmed to me that this work must reach every youth, in and outside schools,” he said.

The Sibantubanye village-born writer is now preparing for a major relaunch of Mhla Zinhlanu kuLwezi at Sibasa Cultural Centre in August, an event he hopes will reignite conversations around youth empowerment, culture and responsible living.

However, Masuku says limited resources remain a stumbling block in his next major ambition, translating the novel into Shona to widen its reach nationally.

“I am appealing to well-wishers and partners who can come on board and help finance the translation. This message should reach every young Zimbabwean, regardless of language,” he said.

Beyond anti-drug activism, Masuku also praised the spirit of ubuntu among students at Gwanda State University, where he works, saying he is encouraged by the respect for culture, discipline and communal values he continues to witness among young people.

“As a parent, artist and custodian of culture, I am proud to see students still embracing ubuntu. Those positive values must be nurtured because they are the foundation of our future society,” he said.

Masuku also welcomed infrastructure development taking shape in Filabusi, applauding new sporting facilities and science laboratory construction at schools, including Mkwabene Primary and Secondary School.

“As a writer, it makes me happy to see our area rising. Development in sport, science and education gives our children hope and direction,” he said.

With a school outreach programme, a relaunch on the horizon, and translation plans in motion, Masuku is proving that for him, literature is not just art, it is activism. Earlier coverage of the book’s launch noted its strong anti-drug focus and Masuku’s plans to expand its impact through translation and film adaptation.

Those who may want to help Msuku should contact him on +263 77 987 1350

@TichaKarubwa