Social cash transfer beneficiaries get assets
Social Cash Transfer Programme beneficiaries from Traditional Authority Nkalo in Chiradzulu District have expressed excitement with the safety net initiative as it has helped them to accumulate assets.
In an interview on Tuesday, Catherine Kamoto, a beneficiary from Zekeya Village, said she joined a village savings and loans group to save her money.
She said: “I became a beneficiary in 2018. Since then, I have always saved the K18 000 monthly stipend. When the savings generated interest, I was able to buy basic necessities for my family and venture into small-scale businesses.
“This year, I bought a dairy cow at K268 000. I now earn at least K80 000 monthly from milk sales.”
Kamoto said the money has also enabled her to pay school fees for her four children and purchase fertiliser for her small farm.
Another beneficiary Olivia Lupiya from Magareta Village said she bought three goats and expanded her tomato-selling business.
“I can feed my three children, buy them clothes and other school necessities,” she said.
Chisitu Cluster Social Cash Transfer Programme chairperson Gift Chitani said the programme has empowered female-headed households to become economically independent.
Chiradzulu District Council social welfare officer Lonjezo Chisasula said he was pleased that the money is being used for its intended purpose as there is evidence of reduced hunger and high school enrolment
