Denel seeks R3.8 billion government bailout

The Denel company logo is seen at the entrance of its business divisions in Pretoria. File picture: Siphiwe Sibeko/Reuters

The Denel company logo is seen at the entrance of its business divisions in Pretoria. File picture: Siphiwe Sibeko/Reuters

Published Oct 10, 2020

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Johannesburg - State defence company Denel has asked for 3.8 billion rand in state financial support over the next three fiscal years, the National Treasury told Reuters on Friday.

Denel, which makes military equipment for South Africa's armed forces and export, has struggled to pay salaries this year amid a liquidity crisis aggravated by the coronavirus crisis.

"Denel has requested a 3.8 billion rand bid over the 2021/22 to 2023/24 MTEF (Medium Term Expenditure Framework) period," the National Treasury said in an emailed response to questions.

A Denel spokeswoman was not able to immediately comment.

State firms have been a long-term drain on the finances of Africa's most industrialised economy, requiring bailouts at a time of weak economic growth which have helped to lower its sovereign credit rating to "junk" status.

State agricultural lender Land Bank has asked for an extra 10 billion rand in government support over the next few years, it said this week.

Reuters