Mixed Reactions From Zimbabweans As Holy Ten Says He Is Going To Rehab To Battle Alcoholism

Holy Ten Announces Rehab Stint For Alcoholism, Sparking Mixed Reactions

Zimbabwean rapper Holy Ten has once again ignited fierce debate after announcing on Wednesday that he is going to rehab to confront alcohol addiction. The declaration, made on X under his real name Mukudzei Modecai Chitsama, quickly went viral and split opinion across the country.

Holy Ten’s emotional confession

Holy Ten admitted in a lengthy message that alcohol had become a destructive force in his life.

He wrote:

“Rehab is a very difficult decision especially when you know you’re not using what they say you’re using. I’ve always just avoided it because that’s a place where I know the junkies go. As a man that drank a lot of alcohol, but still had the ability to make proper decisions the next morning…I thought I could just conquer it easily. But the same alcohol has destroyed others before – their health, their families, their talents and their lives. So I’ve made this BOLD decision to get professional help.”

He stressed that he still sees himself as a youth leader but recognised that he must change direction.

“I still call myself ‘the leader of the youth’ because I STILL AM, I just need to remember the direction they need to be led in. The right one. I’m not going to inspire a nation of alcoholics. The ones that are praying for me, I will be a better man.”

In a heartfelt appeal, he apologised to multiple groups and individuals.

“Please forgive me Zimbabwe, please forgive me my Commander In Chief, my President, my brothers, my mother who is in a state of pain and disbelief, my wife who has been watching all this happening and trying to help me, our political party.”

Fans and critics clash online

The announcement drew sharp divisions. Supporters praised his courage, while sceptics said they had seen similar apologies before.

Journalist Maynard Manyowa commented:

“Last month but one you wrote some long thing similar to this, claiming to have seen the light and grown up. 3 days later you were screaming ‘Fadzi is a bitch’. That particular epiphany followed by the spectacular fall back was the 7th or 8th time.”

Others echoed the same doubts. @jamess_002 wrote:

“Scripted movie seen it before, very soon will hear millions to combat drugs and substance abuse.”

And @yours__jay dismissed the announcement, saying:

“We are all going through a lot, you’re not special. Tsek.”

Some users criticised the public nature of his confession. @HonourLogan said:

“Shaz wakamboudzwa na voltz kt chingoitai zve life yenyu bamunini munenge muchitsanangurira isusu sei like makatitadzira. Tsanangurira vanhu wavakatadzira chete not isu.”
(Your brother Voltz told you before, just live your life little brother, no need to explain yourself to us. Explain only to those you wronged, not to everyone.)

Supportive voices

Despite the criticism, Holy Ten also received a flood of supportive messages.

@SokoCindy wrote:

“Wagona Mukudzei .”

DJ Ollah 7 joined in with:

“All the best.”

@begottensun offered encouragement:

“Be well young bro. Get healthy.”

@IanBajio reassured him, saying:

“Don’t worry about the negative comments bro. Focus on what’s important man and that is getting better. Uchazodzoka hako uchipedzisa nyaya yako we will be there.” (You will come back and finish your story, we will be there.)

Another user, @__Vigie, sympathised:

“Haaa vakuita rough…we stand with you in these difficult times.” (They are being rough with you…we stand with you in these difficult times.)

Harsh backlash

Some of the most severe words came from @jahman_adamski, who shared his own struggles before insulting the rapper:

“Many of us have battled alcoholism & drug addiction. The only difference is some of us took it on the chin, sorted ourselves out & don’t make out like attending rehab is an achievement. I used to sniff cocaine almost every day for 4 years…Did you see me crying? NO. I adapted & turned my life around. You a loser who wants sympathy like the little bitch you are.”

And @elviddo23j said:

“Ahutombode rehab Mfana iwewe, unoda kungom**iswa at large chete mfana iwewe! Tese tese tonwa doro but atisvike pakupenga sezvaunoita izvoo.”
(You don’t even need rehab young man, you just need a good hiding! We all drink alcohol but we don’t reach the madness levels you do.)

Wider social concerns

Amid the jokes and insults, some users pointed to the bigger picture. @tanakarodneyy wrote:

“Drug/Substance abuse and mental health are huge issues facing Zimbabwean youths today.”

Another user, @geniuswacho, reminded critics of Holy Ten’s age:

“He is only 26 makumuitira pressure let the young man rest.” (He is only 26, you are putting too much pressure on him, let him rest.)

For now, Zimbabweans remain deeply divided over Holy Ten’s rehab move. For some, it marks the start of a long-overdue turnaround. For others, it is another chapter in a familiar cycle of apologies and controversy.