The SA Communist Party (SACP) wants the R350 Covid-19 social distress relief grant paid to unemployed citizens permanently as opposed to the six-month planned period.

The six-month special grant was announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in April and is administered by the SA Social Security Agency (Sassa).

Called for comment, Sassa spokesperson Kgomoco Diseko said what the SACP was proposing was a policy matter dealt with by the national Department of Social Development.

Sassa CEO Busisiwe Memela said: "We have received approximately 13 million enquiries/applications about the Special Covid-19 SRD grant as at Monday 25 May 2020.

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Memela said about 1 236 492 clients were being finalised through verification by SARS to confirm if they have an income; 666 381 clients have been approved and Sassa was awaiting banking details and more than 1 597 127 have been rejected since the applicants have some or other means of income.