ABOUT 19 000 households are set to benefit from a new phase of the emergency social cash transfer program launched recently in Bulawayo by the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, UNICEF and their partners.
By Kuda Pembere
The program funded by the German Government through KfW and delivered together with the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, UNICEF, Goal and World Vision.
This social cash transfer program will provide cash payments to five new districts-Binga, Rushinga, Mudzi, Mangwe and Makoni, while providing a further three months of continuity support to its existing urban districts.
I urge that the excellent coordination between all stakeholders be maintained across the whole processes from grassroots level to national level. Through our coordinated effort we need to ensure that we reach the most vulnerable in the communities and minimise exclusion,” said Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Chief Director of Social Development and Disability Affairs Dr Edmos Mtetwa.
UNICEF Zimbabwe Deputy Representative of Programmes Zeinab Adam highlighted during the launching event the importance of the holistic approach of the programme.
“Providing support from multiple angles is essential because we know that there are multiple vulnerabilities that need to be addressed and that cash alone cannot do it,” said the UNICEF official.
The programme according to UNICEF which combines with nutrition and child protection services, was first launched in August 2020 supporting the two districts of Gutu and Highfields. In 2022 the programme supported over 113,790 individuals and 25,801 households in the urban localities of the eight districts of Beitbridge, Binga, Bulawayo, Chitungwiza, Gutu, Highfields, Lupane and Mufakose. 2022 also marked the handover of Gutu and Highfields Districts back to Government and their integration within the Government led Harmonised Social Cash Transfer Programme (HSCT).
