South Africa\u2019s new nuclear programme will start in June, according to a report by the City Press.<\/p>\n
A\u00a0confidential document reveals that\u00a0a formal request for proposals from companies will be issued, with the total contract worth an estimated R1 trillion.<\/p>\n
The nuclear deal going forward is directly related to President Jacob Zuma firing\u00a0finance minister Pravin Gordhan, as Gordhan was against the project, stated the report.<\/p>\n
The Sunday Times also reported that Eskom tabled a presentation to the National Treasury indicating it was ready to buy nuclear power two days before Zuma fired\u00a0Gordhan.<\/p>\n
The successful bidder will be appointed in March 2018.<\/p>\n
\u201cRatings agencies Fitch and S&P Global Ratings have cited the nuclear project as one of the reasons for South Africa\u2019s downgrade,\u201d stated the report.<\/p>\n
A concern from Treasury officials is that the nuclear plan allows for \u201cturnkey procurement\u201d, which \u201cis often used to hide corruption\u201d.<\/p>\n
This allows the management company to appoint all contractors and service providers.<\/p>\n