By Jones Gadama

Minister of Gender, Community Development, and Social Welfare, Jean Sendeza, has expressed satisfaction with the transformative impact of the Social Cash Transfer Program (SCTP) on beneficiaries in Blantyre.

During an interaction with SCTP beneficiaries in Traditional Authority Chigaru, Sendeza noted that many recipients, including the elderly, people with disabilities, and widows, have invested their stipends in livestock production and other income-generating activities.

These initiatives have enabled beneficiaries to support their families with food and income, significantly improving their living standards.

Sendeza praised the Blantyre District Council for adopting an electronic payment system, which has streamlined the process of transferring funds to beneficiaries.

Beneficiaries Share Success Stories

Virginia Ntapasha, a widow, shared her experience of using the SCTP funds to buy livestock and support her children with basic necessities through her TNM Mpamba mobile wallet.

Another beneficiary, Harison Maluwa, said he has been able to operate a grocery shop and buy inputs for his maize field, diversifying his income streams.

The SCTP, a Malawi Government initiative under the Social Protection Programme, has 10,375 beneficiary households in Blantyre, with support from the World Bank.

Since its inception, the program has transformed the lives of over 1.3 million Malawians, including 600,000 children, by providing direct financial support to vulnerable households across all 28 districts.

A Step towards Economic Resilience

The SCTP’s impact extends beyond providing basic needs, as it enables beneficiaries to invest in income-generating activities, fostering economic resilience.

According to the World Bank’s 2024 Malawi Economic Monitor report, SCTP beneficiaries have seen a 23% increase in food consumption and health-seeking behavior.

This progress underscores the program’s potential to reduce poverty and promote inclusive growth in Malawi.