73 Sesheke teachers to manage Social Cash Transfer

SESHEKE District Commissioner Alex Namenda has urged the pay point managers who have undergone a training organised by the Department of Social Welfare to enhance transparency, accountability and reinforce integrity in conducting money matters in a bid to alleviate poverty among citizens.

Mr Namenda said government considers social protection as a strategic key in supporting economic growth to reduce poverty and promote equity and human rights.

He disclosed that in 2021, government introduced a Zambia Integrated Social Information Protection (ZISPIS) system from paper-based approach to a digital approach.

Further, he disclosed that government had engaged the Zambia Postal Services (ZAMPOST) for effectiveness but because of its challenges it was prompted to revert to pay point managers.

Mr Namenda said in order to improve disbursement of the social cash transfer, the

Ministry of Community Development and Social Services (MCDSS) has adopted a digital payment system called (ZISPIS) payment mechanism.

Meanwhile, District Education Standards Officer (DESO) Gift Sibanze said he is confident that seventy-three (73) PPMs who in this case are teachers from different schools in the district will hold the district with high esteem.

He further urged them to offer the right services as it will impact the department and the district at large.

And Sesheke District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO) Rester Jere disclosed that the program of giving money (Social Cash Transfer) to the marginalized population in the district started in 2017.

Mr Jere said the core purpose was to enable them make their own decisions.

He disclosed that the department is doing away with paper-based approach and switching to a digital approach and the training is aimed at teaching the PPMs on how to move from paper-based approach to digital or mobile money approach.