A wave of excitement swept through the communities of Lealui, Limulunga, and Imwiko as residents cheered in appreciation of the enhanced Social Cash Transfer (SCT) program. Upon seeing the United Party for National Development (UPND) entourage, locals chanted “one pin two,” “800,” and “600,” highlighting their gratitude for the financial support benefiting vulnerable groups, including pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, the elderly, child-headed households, persons with disabilities, and the terminally ill.
The SCT program has been strengthened as part of the government’s response to the severe drought that affected Zambia during the 2023/2024 farming season. The drought’s impact has been widely felt, leaving many families struggling and significantly affecting the country’s economy.
President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration has also introduced the Cash for Work (CfW) initiative to help mitigate the rising cost of living. The initiative aims to support communities affected by lower electricity output, which has reduced productivity across various sectors, including small businesses.
During a mobilization tour led by UPND National Youth Chairman Gilbert Liswaniso, the party’s National Management Committee members—Likando Mufalali, Romeo Kangombe, and Sibote Sibote—alongside members of the National Youth Executive Committee and Provincial Leadership led by Jack Mwanga, received a rousing welcome in Limulunga.
Residents expressed their appreciation by chanting new slogans such as “one pin two,” “800,” “600,” “Cash for Work,” and “Free Education,” reflecting their support for government policies aimed at alleviating economic hardships. Others were heard chanting “mboni mwa shed” (translated as “maize in the shed”), emphasizing their relief at seeing food reserves secured despite the difficult times.
Government interventions such as Cash for Work, the SCT program, and the availability of affordable ZNS Eagle mealie meal have played a crucial role in ensuring that even the most vulnerable have access to food. This aligns with President Hichilema’s commitment that “no one should die of hunger.”
UPND leadership expressed satisfaction with the positive reception of these policies at the grassroots level, particularly among low-income households.
“As we commemorate this year’s Youth Day celebrations in Mongu, to be graced by President Hakainde Hichilema, it is encouraging to note that young people have been among the main beneficiaries of the Cash for Work initiative,” stated UPND National Youth IPS Francis Kope.
Additionally, he emphasized that while free education may not yet be fully appreciated, its impact is already evident at the household level. “January, which used to bring financial panic for many parents due to school fees, no longer carries the same pressure,” he noted.
With ongoing government efforts to address economic challenges, programs like Social Cash Transfer, Cash for Work, Constituency Development Fund (CDF), and Free Education continue to make a tangible difference in the lives of Zambians.