PIC will bail out Eskom with a R5 billion loan

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CAPE TOWN - The Public Investment Corporation (PIC) on behalf of the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF), has agreed to advance a R5 billion bridging facility to Eskom for one month. The loan will fund the company’s operations during the month of February 2018. The PIC was approached by Eskom, which indicated that it was experiencing enormous liquidity constraints, which were threatening the company’s going concern status, according to a statement from the PIC. Following the request, the PIC conducted its own due diligence and obtained approval in line with its mandate and corporate governance requirements. The GEPF and PIC Board take comfort from the fact that the bridging facility is fully backed by a government guarantee and that the pricing for this transaction is favourable to GEPF.

The PIC and the GEPF are encouraged by the recent changes in the governance of Eskom.

“The GEPF and the PIC are encouraged that the new Eskom Board and the new management team have moved with the necessary speed to restore good corporate governance at Eskom.

The utility announced their interim financial statements last week, which had previously been delayed, in a frank and transparent manner,” Dr. Daniel Matjila, CEO for the PIC, said.

In addition to the bridging facility, Eskom has approached other lenders as the utility needs a total funding of R20 billion.

Three commercial banks have indicated that they are willing to further extend credit facilities to Eskom subject to the outcome of their respective due diligence processes, which are currently underway.

The GEPF and the PIC said that they will continue to closely monitor developments at Eskom.

-BUSINESS REPORT ONLINE



