By Blackson Mkupatira

Chiradzulu, April 20, Mana: Chiradzulu District Commissioner, Francis Matewere, has commended the Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP) for improving the livelihoods of vulnerable people in the district.

Speaking in an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Tuesday, Matewere said through the cash transfers, SCTP has been instrumental in enhancing the financial stability of beneficiaries, enabling them to start small-scale businesses and provide for their families.

“We have many government initiatives aimed at alleviating poverty in the district, but the good thing about SCTP is that it targets the most vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, people with disabilities, and child-headed households,” he said.

Matewere expressed gratitude to government and the World Bank for the financial support, saying many households on the programme can now buy food, send their children to school, and take part in income-generating activities that are improving their homes.

Chiradzulu District Council Principal Social Welfare Officer responsible for SCTP, Tellinus Malamba, said apart from the cash transfers, beneficiaries are also equipped with business management skills and are encouraged to save and invest their money for sustainability.

"We are pleased that many people are using the money wisely by starting small businesses. This has empowered them economically and reduced dependency," she said.

One of the beneficiaries, Grace Mideliko, a single mother of three from Traditional Authority Sandracki, said the initiative has helped her build assets and support her children’s education.

“Now my household is food secure. I own two goats and six chickens. I have renovated my house, and can afford school fees, textbooks, and other essential items for my children.” she said.

In Chiradzulu, the programme began in 2018 with around 6,000 beneficiaries who have since graduated. It is now supporting 9,902 beneficiaries across all nine traditional authorities.