Organisation formed to curb begging

At a time when begging is fast becoming a ‘noble’ profession among people with visual impairments and blindness, a Christian grouping has been formed to fight the practice and promote education for children of blind parents.

The organisation, Malawi Spirituals and Physical Organisation of the Blind (Mspob), says it seeks to reduce cases of begging and promote self-reliance among blind people.

Mspob interim chairperson Gilbert Mbughi said the organisation has been formed as a response to the increasing number of blind beggars on the streets of Blantyre and Limbe markets.

“Our major concern is that while the blind beggars have no future to worry about, they are moulding scoundrels for the nation through the children who are innocently guiding their parents to beg,” he said.

Mbughi noted that begging is a choice one makes.

“That’s why we have some beggars who are never satisfied no matter how much assistance people give them. This simply underlies the fact that the challenge we have in beggars is beyond the material needs. We feel other people are into begging because of lack of faith in God,” he said.