By Catherine Chikopa & Dalitso Kampira

Thyolo, October 30, Mana: Communities in Thyolo District have hailed government for implementing various social protection programmes such as the Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP) and Climate Smart Public Works Programme (CSPWP), which are improving their livelihoods.

During the launch of Social Protection Week on Tuesday, a representative of the beneficiaries, Hamilton Lyson from Kadzuwa Village in Traditional Authority Bvumbwe said the programmes have positively impacted their community.

“The money we receive helps us buy fertilizer, food for our families and even livestock, enabling us to better support ourselves,” he said.

Lyson also appealed to government and its development partners to continue supporting the programmes, emphasizing their critical role in sustaining families’ livelihoods.

Another beneficiary, Ellen Mwanga added that the programmes have allowed their families to become self-sufficient.

“With the SCTP and CSPWP, we can now provide for our families without external help. Most of us used to beg from other people but this came to an end," she said.

Senior Chief Inkosi Bvumbwe said the CSPWP is helping participants to practice climate smart agricultural practices leading to more sustainable farming practices.

District Commissioner for Thyolo, Hudson Kuphanga expressed satisfaction with the programmes' progress, noting that beneficiaries have been able to purchase livestock, such as goats.

Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Jean Sendeza disclosed that K900 million has been allocated to cover four months of payments for beneficiaries who had not received funds previously in Thyolo.