Parliament Sounds Alarm on Hulengende, Malloti for Promoting Drug Use

Zvimba South legislator, Honourable Taurai Dexter Malinganiso, has raised serious concerns in Parliament about the growing role of social media figures in promoting drug and substance abuse among Zimbabwean youth.

Speaking on a matter of national importance, the MP praised the government’s ongoing initiatives under President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa and the Second Republic to fight drug abuse. These include nationwide awareness campaigns, preventive programmes, and enforcement measures aimed at protecting the country’s future, especially the younger generation.

However, Dexter warned that these efforts are increasingly being challenged by online content that glamorises drug use. He specifically mentioned influencers and entertainers such as Hulengende and Malloti, accusing them of using platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook to normalise substance abuse.

The MP expressed concern over the use of explicit and vulgar language in these posts, particularly in local languages, arguing that such content erodes societal norms. He also highlighted the promotion of illegal drugs, including marijuana, and the recreational misuse of prescription medications such as codeine-based cough syrups.

“What is particularly alarming”, Dexter noted, “is that some of these behaviours occur in front of children, even infants, normalising harmful conduct in households.”

He further cited cases where public figures allegedly distributed drugs during live online broadcasts, undermining both legal enforcement and the seriousness of drug abuse.

Calling on fellow lawmakers, Dexter emphasised that Parliament’s responsibility extends beyond economic and political oversight, describing it as the “guardian of the nation’s moral compass”. He warned that inaction could erode progress made in tackling drug abuse and contribute to rising indiscipline among young people.

To counter the problem, the MP recommended stricter regulation and monitoring of harmful online content, stronger enforcement of existing drug and cybercrime laws, and severe penalties for violators, regardless of their social standing. He also urged collaboration between government agencies, regulatory bodies, and social media platforms to limit the spread of damaging content.

Dexter stressed the importance of promoting responsible digital citizenship, insisting that influencers should be held accountable for the societal impact of their actions.

“As a country, we must consciously shape the image we project and the values we instill,” he said. “Influence should be a tool for nation-building, not social destruction.”

His remarks come amid increasing concern over the influence of digital platforms on youth behaviour and the rising prevalence of drug-related content online.