By Vincent Khonje

Mchinji, October 23, Mana: Mchinji District has transitioned from manual payment to electronic payment in the Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCT), commonly known as 'Mtukula Pakhomo'.

The programme has now shifted to a mobile-based payment arrangement by using TNM Mpamba.

Speaking Tuesday during the registration of the beneficiaries into the new payment system at Guillime, District Commissioner for Mchinji, Lucia Chidalengwa, hailed the move as a major improvement for the programme.

“This new arrangement brings several advantages, logistical challenges that arose when sending officers to manually disburse funds to beneficiaries will be minimised. Additionally, beneficiaries will not be exposed to theft, as they will now receive the transfers in confidence through their phones,” Chidalengwa said.

One of the beneficiaries, Judith Kilementi, from Chithala Village in Traditional Authority (TA) Zulu, expressed her relief with the new payment system compared to the old system.

“In the past, we had to travel long distances to pay points, sometimes waiting for hours to receive our money. It was not easy, we often got hungry, and the transport costs reduced the little we received. Now, I will not have to spend hours or use the money on transport,” said Kilementi, a widow, looking after seven children.

Another beneficiary, Petulo Mkwezalamba from Njelengo Village, TA Zulu, will receive his cash transfer for the first time under the new system and welcomed the idea.

“Receiving money through a cellphone is ideal for me. I can withdraw the cash at a time that suits me without having to rush or travel to a distant location,” said Mkwezalamba.

Chief Social Welfare Officer responsible for the Social Cash Transfer programme, Chifundo Nanchukwa, said the transition to electronic payments is part of government's broader agenda to digitalize all Government-to-People (G2P) payments.

“This new system offers many benefits as beneficiaries can access their money at any time, rather than being required to gather at a specific location. It will also reduce non-collection of transfers and enhance financial inclusion, as beneficiaries will be using digital payment systems,” said Nanchukwa.

Government is transitioning to E-payment for its social protection beneficiaries, which include ‘Mtukula Pakhomo’ and Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CSEPWP) also known as ‘M’bwenzera Chilengedwe’.