By Beni Bamusi

Thyolo, October 4, Mana: Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare has encouraged beneficiaries of social support programs, such as the Social Cash Transfer (SCT) and the Climate-Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP), to form and join Savings and Loan Groups (SLGs) to strengthen their economic resilience.

Chief Community Development Officer, Samuel Ziwa, made the remarks Thursday in Thyolo during a sensitization tour on Social Support for Resilient Livelihoods (SSRLP), held in the areas of Traditional Authorities (TA) Ngolongoliwa and Nanseta.

"Beneficiaries should join SLGs to multiply the money they receive from social protection programs. This will help them remain resilient to economic shocks even after graduating from the programs," Ziwa said.

He said research shows SLGs have the potential to elevate livelihoods, as the money provided through these social programs alone cannot fully transform households.

"By joining SLGs, beneficiaries can save, borrow and invest in small-scale businesses to improve their economic standing," he said.

Ziwa noted that village banks, where SLGs typically operate, offer low-interest loans, unlike formal banks, making them more accessible and affordable to the beneficiaries.

Thyolo District Social Welfare Officer responsible for the SCT program, Madalitso Noah, emphasized that SLGs opens up opportunities to access loans from commercial banks, which would otherwise be difficult for individuals.

"SLGs allow beneficiaries to access financial resources, build economic stability and improve their overall livelihoods.

"Additionally, these groups serve as platforms where members share skills, knowledge and address various community issues," Noah said.

Tereza Chantha, a CSPWP beneficiary from Ntikhe Village, TA Ngolongoliwa, shared her success story after joining a village bank before being enrolled in the program.

"Through the village bank, I started a business that allows me to provide for my family basic needs. I have managed to build a house with iron sheets, something I couldn’t have achieved without the support of the village bank,"  said Chantha.