09 Jul 2026

The implementation of the Child Welfare Fund has been delayed due to the introduction of the revised eligibility guidelines that require all councils to re-screen beneficiaries.

In an interview, Francistown City Council deputy town clerk (Operations), Ms Pedzani Selwana-Mahama said all councils across the country received the revised guidelines two weeks ago to look into and then facilitate the implementation of the programme. 

She explained that the guidelines had introduced revised income brackets with only mothers earning a monthly wage of below P4,000 now qualifying for assistance. 

Due to the changes, she said the council had to go back and review its existing list of beneficiaries.Ms Selwana-Mahama further explained that the screening process had been done as beneficiaries (mothers) had to present their national identity cards or provide affidavits to confirm whether they meet the new income threshold.

She said the council had since submitted the updated list to the relevant ministry and was now awaiting a response adding that ‘once approval is received, eligible beneficiaries will be notified on when and where to collect their dues’.

 “It will be an easy process because we already have the contact details of all those who qualify.  We will also communicate through the council’s official Facebook page, which has a large following and reaches many residents,” she said.

The Child Welfare Fund was introduced by government to support infant health and early childhood development with a monthly stipend of P300.

It was initially expected to be rolled out at the start of the current financial year.

 However, implementation was postponed to end of June due to delays in the release of the operational guidelines.

  Ms Selwana-Mahama assured that disbursements would proceed immediately once the ministry gives the green light. ENDS