By Steve Chirombo

Dedza, May 19, Mana: Some elderly people who are benefiting from the Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP) in Dedza have applauded the initiative, saying it is a transformative initiative.

On Monday in an ongoing SCTP pay parade in the district, the beneficiaries said the program has transformed their lives, as some are able to do small-scale businesses and also buy food during the lean season.

A beneficiary, Jackson Mvukuto aged 60, from Miyowe village under Traditional Authority (T/A) Chauma said although he faces old age challenges, he is still doing some small-scale businesses.

He explained: “I am into vegetable farming and own a few domestic animals which I bought after receiving the money. I am privileged because this is my seventh time getting the money. This programme has transformed my life.”

Another beneficiary, Mtumodzi Chimunga aged 97, from Chizwa Village, T/A Chauma, revealed that most of the cash given to older persons like her is used to buy food.

“I can no longer dig the soil and plant crops as I used before. I am mostly ill and this money supports me. I am doing animal farming which also assists me and the children I support,” she said.

Principal Social Welfare Officer, for Dedza District Council, Mtende Lungu said the essence of the programme is to support underprivileged people.

He said so far 19, 592 households have been earmarked to benefit from the programme’s three-month phases of April, May and June in all the eight Traditional Authorities (T/As) in the district.

“We are happy that the money is being used for the intended purpose of supporting vulnerable people,” stated Lungu.

SCTP is funded by the Social Protection Multi-Donor Trust Fund and the World Bank through the National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) to address poverty shocks among the elderly and the ultra-poor.