SMART Zambia Institute National Coordinator has warned unscrupulous individuals who are double dipping on social protection programmes, describing the vice as retrogressive and criminal.
Percy Chinyama explained that double dipping involves individuals fraudulently registering for and drawing funds from two or more different social protection schemes simultaneously, often using loopholes in the identification or verification processes.
Speaking on Delight FM in Chinsali district, Mr. Chinyama said the illegal practice, commonly known as ‘double tobela’, robs other deserving citizens of the much-needed support.
“You dubiously draw funds from two different social protection programmes while others haven’t got any, how fair are you?” Mr. Chinyama questioned.
He emphasized that such actions undermine the very purpose of social safety nets, which are designed to uplift the most vulnerable members of society.
Mr. Chinyama stressed that in an effort to curb the malpractice, the Institute deployed the Zambia Integrated Social Protection Information System (ZISPIS) and the Electronic Cash for Work systems.
“These digital platforms have enhanced transparency and accountability by cross-referencing beneficiary data, flagging duplicate registrations, and ensuring that each eligible individual receives support only once,” he explained.
He further warned that offenders risk prosecution, as double dipping constitutes theft of public funds and undermines national development efforts.
Mr. Chinyama implored citizens to report anyone found double dipping, emphasizing the need for communities to take collective responsibility.
“Let us all play fair and give a chance to every eligible beneficiary,” Mr. Chinyama emphasized.
