Elderly persons hail Social Cash Transfer

 The elderly from Chisi Island in Zomba have commended the Social Cash Transfer Programme, saying the money they get helps them to access basic things.

One of the beneficiaries Daless Katimbe from group village head Tchuka in Traditional Authority Mkumbira said he was able to buy food and basic needs for his family.

The 76-year-old man also said he supports his grandchildren in school using the proceeds from the programme.

Said Katimbe: “At my age I cannot go to the field. I use the money to employ people to work in my fields.

“I lost the children who used to support me. Instead, I have grandchildren who look to me for support.”

Another beneficiary, Chrissy Kadam’manja, 69, said as a widow, the programme is her only hope of survival.

“I have a huge responsibility to look after my grandchildren. So, the money helps a lot,” he said.

However, 75-year-old Lucy Pelete appealed to government for a permanent social protection scheme for the elderly.

She said social cash transfer was a targeted programme with only few elderly persons benefiting while leaving out many in dire need of support.

Zomba district social cash transfer officer Ned Mkumba said about 16 410 households in the district are benefiting from the programme.

He said the programme has transformed people’s lives in the district.

“Most beneficiaries are engaged in income-generating activities,” said Mkumba.

He also said the programme has eased the suffering of elderly people as they are labour-constrained.

Social Cash Transfer Programme is one of the social protection initiatives government and development partners are implementing to uplift the lives of ultra-poor households in the country.