R59 Billion Government Bailout for Eskom

State owned power utility firm Eskom will receive a R59 Billion bailout from the Government of South Africa.

According to Reuters, the bailout plan is outlined in a special appropriation bill set to be discussed in parliament this week.

Eskom has been cash-strapped for a while, and has been requesting for government money for it to meet its obligations. The firm supplies over 95% of South Africa’s power, but has failed to sustain itself financially, leading to power cuts and other operational struggles.

“For the purpose of promoting transparency and the effective management of the amount … the Minister of Finance, in writing, may impose conditions to be met by Eskom before any part of the amount is transferred,” the bill reads in part.

On top of the cash injection, the government is exploring additional support options for Eskom, including swapping the firm’s debt for government bonds or ring-fencing it in a special account.

Read: Man Implicated In R3.1 Million Eskom Fraud Turns Himself In