Adventist Church tackles addiction

By Mrs M

 The Adventist Health Ministries Church, grounded in a holistic view of health, has actively addressed addiction through faith-based recovery programs and community support.

On Saturday, May 10, the streets of Mbabane were filled with the sound of drums and brass instruments as hundreds of young people marched through the capital to raise awareness about addiction. 

The event was organised by the Hhohho Region Adventist Churches, in collaboration with the Salesian High School Brass Band, and brought together both junior and senior youth from across the region.

The march began at the Prince of Wales at 2 p.m., went through the city centre, and concluded at Coronation Park. Participants wore Pathfinder and Adventist Youth uniforms, holding up placards with messages of hope and encouragement for those battling addiction. 

Onlookers along the route stopped to watch, with some joining in as the procession made its way through town.

Speaking to Page 6 Entertainment, one of the organisers Dr Khumalo said the goal of the march was not only to make noise, but to start real conversations around the realities of substance abuse.

“Addiction doesn’t just live in back alleys or faraway places. It’s in our homes, churches, schools, and communities. We want to be part of the solution, and part of that is visibility, showing up, speaking up, and letting people know that recovery is possible.” he said.

The Salesian Brass Band played a central role in the event, providing a vibrant soundtrack that kept spirits high throughout the march. Their energetic performance drew attention from pedestrians and motorists alike, turning the march into a lively, attention-grabbing moment for the city.

One young participant, a 16-year-old Pathfinder from Mbabane East Church, said this was her first time marching in a public awareness campaign.

“I’ve learned a lot, I didn’t know how big the problem of addiction is here in Eswatini. Today showed me that young people can be part of creating change.” she said.

According to Adventist Recovery Ministries, one of the event’s supporting bodies, addiction is not limited to substances like drugs and alcohol.

It includes compulsive behaviors such as gambling, pornography, and even social media dependency. Representatives from the ministry were present during the event, offering information about recovery programs and Christian counseling services available through the Eswatini Conference.

“Many churches aren’t equipped to refer people to the help they need,we’re trying to bridge that gap by offering support, Christian rehab referrals, and resources that are accessible, especially to young people,” said a spokesperson from the church.

In Eswatini, data on addiction remains sparse, but there is growing anecdotal evidence from community leaders and pastors that substance use among youth is on the rise, particularly alcohol and dagga. The march aimed to raise both awareness and urgency.

One of the most powerful moments came at the closing ceremony in Coronation Park, where a young man gave a brief testimony about his own journey through addiction and recovery.

“I was 19 when I first started drinking heavily, it took a toll on my relationships, my school, everything. It wasn’t until I found a church community that didn’t judge me, but helped me, that I started to change.” said the survivor.

Organisers say this won’t be the last time such a march takes place. There are plans to take the campaign to other regions in the country, with hopes of creating long-term partnerships between churches, schools, and recovery services.

“This is just the beginning.Addiction is a community issue, and it will take a community effort to fight it. We may be young, but we’re not powerless.”said one Master Guide and Pathfinder Counselor.

For those in need of help, the Eswatini Conference Recovery Ministries can be reached via WhatsApp or phone at +268 3402 7538. Referrals to Christian counselors, support groups, and rehabilitation centres are available.

Resources are also accessible at: www.adventistrecoveryglobal.org