SCT Beneficiaries in Nkhata Bay Applaud Unified Beneficiary Registry System
Previously, the selection of SCT beneficiaries was primarily determined by traditional leaders, who often favoured their friends and relatives, leaving many deserving households out.
Nkhata Bay, Malawi - Social Cash Transfer (SCT) beneficiaries in Nkhata Bay district have expressed their satisfaction with the introduction of the Unified Beneficiary Registry (UBR) system, which has enabled a more equitable distribution of benefits, writes Rabecca Kaunda.
Previously, the selection of SCT beneficiaries was primarily determined by traditional leaders, who often favoured their friends and relatives, leaving many deserving households out.
Violet Manda, a 56-year-old SCT beneficiary from Nabayoti village in Traditional Authority Malengazoma, lauded the government for implementing the UBR system, which has included many more underprivileged individuals like herself.
"I was initially excluded from the SCT programme even though I was struggling to provide for my family with the limited resources I had," Manda shared.
"But thanks to the UBR system, I was among the beneficiaries, and my life has completely transformed. I have ventured into poultry farming, and I now have over 20 chickens. With the money I earn from selling my chickens and other small-scale businesses, I plan to build a new house."
Another beneficiary, Willison Kamanga, a father of nine children from Tambitambi village, echoed Manda's sentiments, stating that his family's basic needs are now being met since he began receiving SCT benefits.
"Through this initiative, I have been able to purchase livestock, renovate my house, and invest in other businesses," Kamanga remarked.
District Commissioner Rodgers Newa concurred with the beneficiaries, expressing his admiration for the UBR system, and ensuring that beneficiaries are truly in need.
"I am impressed with this cohort, as many of the beneficiaries are effectively utilizing the funds they receive," Newa stated.