Zimdailyjournal Editor
The parliament of Zimbabwe has raised alarm over the conduct of Zimdancehall artists, Hulungende and Malloti.
This was revealed by Member of Parliament Taurai Dexter Malinganiso, who blamed the two for eroding cultural values.
He said the couple is abusing their child.
“Regarding the health and future of our citizens, particularly the youth.
“However, Mr. Speaker, it is with deep concern that I draw the attention of this House to a growing and troubling counterforce undermining these national efforts.
“We are witnessing an alarming trend whereby certain socialites, musicians, and digital influencers, the likes of dancehall artists, like Hulungende and Malloti, individuals who command significant influence over the younger generation, are openly promoting and normalizing drug and substance abuse on social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook,” he said.
Mangaliso also said, more disturbing is the manner in which this content is being disseminated.
“The use of explicit and vulgar language, particularly in vernacular expressions, erodes societal values.
“The public display and glorification of illegal substances, including cannabis, is in direct violation of our laws.
“The promotion of the abuse of prescription medications, such as Bronclear, Cordain, and Benlin, substances that have become dangerously misused as recreational drugs.
“And, shockingly, instances where such conducts are performed in the presence of children.
“For the case of the names I mentioned above, these drugs are being used in the presence of their newborn baby, thereby normalising deviant behavior within the domestic space.
“Mr. Speaker said there are even recorded incidents where public figures have gone as far as distributing illegal substances to members of the public during live broadcasts.
“In this instance, an artist gave a fan a marijuana plant, trivialising both the law and the grave consequences of substance abuse.
“Honorable members, we must be clear.
“Parliament is not only a custodian of economic and political discourse, but also a guardian of the nation’s moral compass.
“Social conduct, cultural norms, and public behavior are not peripheral issues, as they are central to nation-building.
“If left unchecked, this digital glorification of substance abuse will undo the gains made by the second republic and entrench a culture of indiscipline lawlessness and moral decay among our youth,” he added.
He submitted that there is an urgent need for strengthened regulation and monitoring of harmful content on digital platforms, enhanced enforcement of existing drug and cyber laws against offenders as well as strict penalties regardless of their social standing.
“Collaboration between government, regulatory authorities, and social media platforms to curb the spread of such content and the promotion of responsible digital citizenship, where influencers are held accountable for the societal impact of their conduct.
“As a nation, we must be deliberate about the image we project to the world and, more importantly, the values we instill in our people.
“Influence must be a true foundation building, not a weapon of social destruction.”
