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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.
“The Ministry categorically states that these messages were neither generated, authorised nor disseminated by the Ministry or by any institution responsible for administering the SCT Programme,” Nachinga said.
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.
Read more: Civil society condemns alleged SMS linking cash transfers to voting for ruling UPND
Nachinga stated that beneficiary identification, enrolment and graduation were guided exclusively by approved eligibility criteria and established administrative procedures.
“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.
“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.
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