The Ministry of Gender has renewed its call for beneficiaries of the Social Cash Transfer Program (SCTP), commonly known as Mtukula Pakhomo, to invest the funds strategically to help break the cycle of poverty in their households.

Dr. Nertha Semphere Mgala, Principal Secretary of the Ministry, emphasized the importance of viewing the cash transfers as seed money. Speaking to Zodiak Online, she advised beneficiaries to focus on farming and small-scale business ventures rather than exclusively using the funds for immediate needs such as food.

"Beneficiaries must always regard the transfers as seed money, meant to be invested in farming and small-scale businesses to strengthen their financial base," Dr. Mgala stated.

Dr. Mgala shared these sentiments during an interaction with beneficiaries in the Guellime cluster, in the area of iNkosi Zulu, Mchinji District. The programme is being implemented with the support of the German government through KFW. Beneficiaries in this cluster have been receiving K70,000 per month as a top-up cushion for the four-month lean period.

She highlighted ongoing efforts by the government to develop sustainable strategies for the program in case donor support phases out in the future. "Lessons learned from Thyolo, where the program is locally funded, give us confidence that sustainability can be achieved," Dr. Mgala added.

One beneficiary, Edita Pepulani of Kaphandi Village under iNkosi Zulu, praised the initiative for transforming lives. She noted that many beneficiaries are now able to pay school fees for their children and support their families' daily needs.

"The initiative has enabled many to graduate from abject poverty. Our livelihoods have improved, unlike before," Pepulani shared.

Echoing similar sentiments, iNkosi Zulu applauded the program for its impact in the community. He highlighted that many benefiting households have constructed decent homes and gained assets such as livestock, including goats.

According to the district social welfare office, the SCTP in Mchinji District has so far reached 12,067 households, out of the targeted 14,875, an indication he said that program continues to play a vital role in uplifting communities and fostering financial independence.