Govt reaffirms integrity of social cash transfer programme

The Ministry of Community Development and Social Services has distanced itself from alleged politically themed text messages reportedly sent to beneficiaries of the Social Cash Transfer Programme. Nine Civil Society Organisations had expressed grave concern over reported SMS messages allegedly linking the Government’s Social Cash Transfer (SCT) programme to voting for President Hakainde Hichilema and the ruling United Party for National Development ahead of the August 13, 2026 general elections. In a statement issued in Lusaka on Friday to respond to the allegations, Principal Public Relations Officer, Glenda Nachinga, said the Ministry had noted media reports alleging that some SCT beneficiaries received such messages.

She noted that while the authenticity of the circulating SMS messages, including whether they specifically targeted SCT beneficiaries, was yet to be independently verified, it remained committed to protecting beneficiary information. Nachinga assured the public that beneficiary data were protected through stringent data protection and information security measures, in full compliance with the Data Protection Act No. 3 of 2021.

She described the SCT as a national programme designed to uplift the lives of the most vulnerable members of society. “Citizens are therefore urged to refrain from making, sharing or publishing information that may undermine public confidence in this vital lifeline,” shr said. Nachinga further reaffirmed Government’s commitment to safeguarding beneficiaries’ personal information and protecting the integrity of the programme.

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“Government remains firmly committed to safeguarding beneficiaries’ personal information, protecting the integrity of the SCT Programme, and ensuring that social assistance is delivered in a safe, transparent, accountable and impartial manner for the benefit of all eligible Zambians,” she said. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR

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