Don’t mistreat the elderly—minister
Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare Jean Sendeza has urged youths to protect the rights of older persons.
She said this on Monday at Chazinga Primary School in Phalombe when she visited the district to appreciate the ongoing registration of Social Cash Transfer Programme beneficiaries into the electronic payment system.
Sendeza said young people should realise that one day they will also grow old and should stop subjecting older persons to witchcraft accusations.
“I urge you young people to always look after these older persons. Being old does not mean that you practise witchcraft. Ensure that the money they will receive is used for the intended purpose,” said the minister.
Phalombe District Council chairperson Agasson Sompho agreed with Sendeza, saying the programme’s beneficiaries use trusted individuals to help them cash out their money.
“I advise the elderly not to reveal the pin number of their mobile money wallet to many people to prevent theft. I ask them to trust one grandchild who will do the transactions and buy basic necessities for them,” he said.
Traditional Authority Mkhumba commended the government for the programme, saying many households are able to take care of their families through the initiative.
“People are able to pay school fees and others have bought livestock as they save their money with village savings and loans groups,” she said.
One of the beneficiaries, Annie Mulingo, said the new payment system will help reduce long distances and time they used to spend during cash-distribution exercises.
In Phalombe, at least 11 000 households are benefitting from the programme.