Beneficiaries of the Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP) in the area of Inkosi Kampingo Sibande in Mzimba District have finally received their long-awaited payments following the resolution of operational challenges that had disrupted the programme for several months.
The disruptions, which affected hundreds of vulnerable households, were largely attributed to network connectivity problems, failure by some beneficiaries to safely keep or correctly use their personal identification numbers (PINs), and limited operational capacity among some mobile money agents.
As a result, several beneficiaries experienced prolonged delays, with some only accessing their funds as late as December last year.
The SCTP is a government-led social protection initiative aimed at supporting ultra-poor and labour-constrained households to meet basic needs such as food, education, and healthcare.
However, the recent challenges placed additional strain on already vulnerable families, particularly during the lean season when food insecurity is most severe.
Speaking after receiving her payment, beneficiary Unity Mphande expressed relief and gratitude, saying the money would make an immediate difference to her household.
“We have been struggling to put food on the table. Now that we have received the money, I can buy food and also pay school fees for my children,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Giyani Msowoya, echoed similar sentiments, commending programme officials for addressing the challenges that had hindered access to the funds.
“The delay caused a lot of suffering, but we are happy that the issues have been resolved. This money is very important for our survival,” he said.
Traditional Authority Inkosi Kampingo Sibande welcomed the development, noting that the delays had severely affected beneficiaries drawn from the most vulnerable families in the area.
He said many households had been pushed into deeper hardship while waiting for the funds.
“These are people who depend on this money for their daily needs. The delays caused unnecessary suffering, so we are pleased that the situation has now improved,” he said.
Meanwhile, Principal Gender Officer for M’mbelwa District Council, Shadreck Mingo, assured beneficiaries that measures have been put in place to prevent similar disruptions in the future.
He explained that the challenges had been thoroughly addressed in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, including payment service providers.
“Now that the issues have been resolved, all 21,000 Social Cash Transfer beneficiaries in Mzimba District should be able to access their money on time,” said Mingo.
He further emphasized the importance of beneficiaries safeguarding their PINs and encouraged agents to improve service delivery to ensure the smooth running of the programme.
The resumption of timely payments is expected to bring much-needed relief to thousands of households across Mzimba, reinforcing the Social Cash Transfer Programme’s role as a critical safety net for the district’s most vulnerable populationsNo
