shloboe boe
Faith Ndlovu and Blessed Moyo, Sunday Life Reporters
THE proliferation of shebeens and informal drinking establishments that is buoyed by the availability of cheap, mostly smuggled alcohol, has sparked widespread concerns about under-age drinking and child prostitution in Makokoba — the oldest high density suburb in Bulawayo.
Concerns have been raised that if the situation is left unchecked, it will threaten the well-being and future of the youthful population.
The unlicensed drinking dens have become notorious hotspots for illicit activities, including under-age drinking, violence, prostitution and drug and substance abuse.
Minors, as young as 10 are reportedly able to purchase alcohol with ease, emboldening them to engage in unruly behaviour that threatens the moral fabric of the community.
As night falls, under-age children start engaging in lewd conduct after taking one too many, opening themselves up for sexual abuse by older people who will be taking advantage of their drunkenness much to the chagrin of law-abiding residents.
With the authorities seemingly reluctant to stem the tide, the rise of Makokoba’s illegal drinking spots has become a ticking time bomb ready to unleash a maelstrom of social ills into the community.
The lack of strict regulation at most drinking spots in the suburb has seen a complete disregard for age restrictions as they continue serving alcohol to under-age patrons. This has created an environment conducive to under-age drinking with far-reaching implications on the health, education and safety of Makokoba’s youth.
Ward 7 Councillor, Thandiwe Moyo, shed light on the alarming escalation of drug use and abuse, revealing a disturbing trend where parents and elders have become complicit in perpetuating the issue.
“Shockingly, some parents have taken to selling drugs themselves, with some instances even involving children being coerced into peddling these substances within school premises,” Clr Moyo said.
Clr Moyo emphasised that the scarcity of jobs and poor upbringing are part of the factors that exacerbate the challenges faced by young people, ultimately impacting their well-being and future prospects.
She called on parents to play a role in protecting their children from the pitfalls of drug abuse.
“We have a responsibility to keep our children engaged and productive, let us teach them valuable skills such as entrepreneurship and let’s continue dissuading them from partaking in drug and substance abuse as well as prostitution,” she added.
Clr Moyo specifically cautioned parents to be vigilant in safeguarding their daughters, as unchecked freedom can lead to severe consequences including teenage pregnancies, unwanted births and sexually transmitted infections. A resident, who wished to remain anonymous, painted a disturbing picture of the teenagers’ nocturnal activities.
“These young people lead double lives. By day, they appear to be ordinary teenagers, but by night, they transform into adults, engaging in questionable activities to earn money from the mbingas.
“I firmly believe that parents bear significant responsibility in this matter, how can you possibly rest at night without knowing where your teenage child is, especially a girl child? Don’t you worry about their safety and well-being?” he asked.
The resident’s words underscored the importance of parental oversight and involvement in teenagers’ lives.
A youth, who also wished to remain anonymous, shared her secret to avoiding the temptations and challenges prevalent in Makokoba.
“I’m usually at work, so I don’t spend my days idle in the neighbourhood,” she revealed, highlighting the importance of staying occupied and focused on productive pursuits.
She further pointed out that other hotspots, such as KoNka and Stumbini, located at the Vulindlela Flats, have also become popular gathering places for teenagers, raising concerns about their potential exposure to unhealthy influences and activities.
“These spots have become popular gathering places for large numbers of teenagers, both boys and girls, who associate with moneyed individuals known as mbingas,” she added.
