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Mnangagwa's urban cash transfer scheme collapses
03 Sep 2025 at 08:37hrs | 157 Views
In the heart of Bulawayo, where daily life is already defined by struggle, the collapse of the government's Urban Cash Transfer Programme has left families facing deepening hunger and despair. Once hailed as a safety net for the most vulnerable, the initiative has unravelled, exposing a widening gap between political promises and harsh reality.
Social Welfare Minister Edgar Moyo admitted in Parliament that "no funds have been disbursed this year," a statement that has sparked outrage among citizens who had pinned their hopes on the scheme. Out of 219 849 registered beneficiaries, only 39 293 ever received support — a fraction that highlights the programme's systemic failings.
For families like the Mhlangas, the collapse has meant a daily battle for survival. "We were told help was on the way," says Thandiwe Mhlanga, a mother of three. "But now, every day is a struggle to put food on the table."
Social policy experts warn that the consequences go beyond empty stomachs. "When trust in government initiatives erodes, it affects community cohesion and individual morale," says analyst Tinashe Chikanda. Fellow analyst Nyasha Moyo adds that such failures risk disengaging citizens from the political process entirely: "This erosion of faith leads to disillusionment and weakens civic engagement, further entrenching cycles of poverty."
Civil society organisations and humanitarian partners have attempted to step in. The World Food Programme is currently assisting about 15 000 people, but the need is far greater. "While any help is appreciated, it's clear that it's not enough," says NGO worker Maria Ndlovu.
Minister Moyo has promised efforts to secure more funding, but critics argue that sustainable financing mechanisms are urgently needed if vulnerable communities are to be protected. Analysts also call for transparency and accountability to restore public confidence.
Inflation, high unemployment and weak economic policies have compounded the plight of struggling households. For many, the crumbling cash transfer programme is emblematic of a deeper governance crisis.
As the sun sets over Bulawayo, the voices of families like the Mhlangas echo with both resilience and frustration. Their struggle underscores a pressing call for accountability, reform and genuine commitment to the nation's most vulnerable. Without it, the Urban Cash Transfer Programme will be remembered not as a lifeline, but as a cautionary tale of broken promises.
Social Welfare Minister Edgar Moyo admitted in Parliament that "no funds have been disbursed this year," a statement that has sparked outrage among citizens who had pinned their hopes on the scheme. Out of 219 849 registered beneficiaries, only 39 293 ever received support — a fraction that highlights the programme's systemic failings.
For families like the Mhlangas, the collapse has meant a daily battle for survival. "We were told help was on the way," says Thandiwe Mhlanga, a mother of three. "But now, every day is a struggle to put food on the table."
Social policy experts warn that the consequences go beyond empty stomachs. "When trust in government initiatives erodes, it affects community cohesion and individual morale," says analyst Tinashe Chikanda. Fellow analyst Nyasha Moyo adds that such failures risk disengaging citizens from the political process entirely: "This erosion of faith leads to disillusionment and weakens civic engagement, further entrenching cycles of poverty."
Minister Moyo has promised efforts to secure more funding, but critics argue that sustainable financing mechanisms are urgently needed if vulnerable communities are to be protected. Analysts also call for transparency and accountability to restore public confidence.
Inflation, high unemployment and weak economic policies have compounded the plight of struggling households. For many, the crumbling cash transfer programme is emblematic of a deeper governance crisis.
As the sun sets over Bulawayo, the voices of families like the Mhlangas echo with both resilience and frustration. Their struggle underscores a pressing call for accountability, reform and genuine commitment to the nation's most vulnerable. Without it, the Urban Cash Transfer Programme will be remembered not as a lifeline, but as a cautionary tale of broken promises.
Source - Newsday
