Elderly persons in Traditional Authority (T/A) Maganga in Salima District have commended the social cash transfer for supporting them to sustain their livelihoods.
The Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare together with implementing partner GIZ provided Salima beneficiaries with extra K70 000 each last month to buy maize.
On Saturday, officials from the ministry and GIZ toured some beneficiaries to learn how they spent the money.
In an interview, 85-year-old Ngweza Zonje from Mbendera Village, said the safety net has supported her with basic needs through buying food and paying examination fees for her two grandchildren.
“When I received K70 000 last month, I bought maize for my family. The support came at the right time because I had nothing left to eat,” she said.
Another beneficiary Felesta Yohane from Ngolowindo Village, said she bought a goat to venture into livestock farming.
“I bought a goat to have an asset that will help me graduate from poverty. I understand the programme will phase out one day; hence, the need to invest the money in sustainable initiatives,” she said.
Salima district social welfare officer responsible for Social Cash Transfer Programme Thumbiko Mbale said they visited some beneficiaries to evaluate how they used the money they received last month.
“Following the dry spells that Salima District experienced during this year’s growing season, we provided an extra cash to buy maize,” he said.
Social Cash Transfer Programme provides regular cash payments to vulnerable households to help them meet basic needs and build resilience
