People tout Social Cash Transfer Programme

People in Traditional Authority (T/A) M’Mbelwa in Mzimba District have commended the Social Cash Transfer Programme for transforming their lives.

During a tour on Saturday organised by M’Mbelwa District Council to appreciate the impact of the programme it came to light that some beneficiaries ventured into farming while others accumulated household assets.

Speaking in an interview, one of the beneficiaries, Monica Shaba from Engalaweni in T/A M’Mbelwa said the programme has improved her livelihood.

She said she was enrolled into the programme in 2015 and she saved the money in village savings and loans (VSLs) groups.

Shaba said she ventured into farming and small-scale businesses to generate income.

“My husband died in 2013, leaving me with four children. By the time he died, he left a grass-thatched house. However, I have constructed a decent house, thanks to the programme,” she said.

Shaba said she has also bought goats as she wants to venture into livestock farming to diversify her income sources.

Another beneficiary, Catherine Thika from Kazezeni Village said she is able to support her family using proceeds from the programme.

“Besides constructing two houses, I run a shop which gives me income,” she said.

M’Mbelwa District Council social welfare officer responsible for social protection programmes Shadreck Mingo expressed excitement that most beneficiaries were women.

He said: “We are pleased that most women under the programme are graduating from abject poverty. That is the objective, to transform people’s lives.

“When people’s lives are transformed, donors who bankroll such initiatives are encouraged to continue with the programme.”