By Shaffie Bakali

Mangochi, March 8, Mana: Chief Social Welfare Officer for Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Anastanzio Matewere says the ministry is set to renew the number of Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP) beneficiaries in Mangochi for the coming financial years.

Matewere made this remarks on Friday during cash distribution of third quarter of 2023/2024 year to 139 beneficiaries of Changamire village cluster in the area of Senior Chief Chimwala in the district.

He said the process of retargeting beneficiaries will heavily affect the quantity of beneficiaries positively in Mangochi.

"Currently, SCTP is benefiting 18,000 households in Mangochi but after the process of reviewing beneficiaries, we expect an increased number to 28,000 beneficiaries" Matewere said.

He added that the joint-factors qualifying a household to be beneficiary of the programme remains ultra-poverty and labour constraints.

In his remarks, Principal Social Welfare Officer for Mangochi District Council, Patrick Cholopi said the council will from December 2024 embrace the newly revised rates of income.

One of the beneficiaries from Kafucheche village in the area, Cecilia Dailesi hailed government for the programme, saying it has helped to improve her livelihood.