According to the provinces' Coronavirus Command Council, at least 341 672 applications have been approved for payment and only 290 082 have been paid. 

The Covid-19 council says these numbers were pulled around 25 July. 

The Department of Social Development has been lambasted by disgruntled citizens who claim that despite qualifying for the grant they have not received a cent.

"Moreover, the Command Council welcomed the report on the payment of the Covid-19 grant in the province, which showed that as at 25 July, a total of 341 672 applications had been approved, out of which 290 082 have been paid," the council adds.

This follows criticism and complaints about the used system by the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa), which is at the centre of distributing the millions of rands prioritised to help the needy. 

A few days ago, Sassa responded to criticism and said it has introduced a new payment method that presents grant recipients with an opportunity to receive their grants at their chosen outlets. 

The agency said beneficiaries can now choose to receive their grants at the South African Post Office or have the funds paid directly in their bank accounts. 

Meanwhile, the council urged recipients of this grant to always adhere to the social distance guide and to wear masks when queuing to collect the grant at various pay-points. 

This, to prevent the virus from spreading further.  

OFM News