The directors are pleased to present their report for the year
ending 31 March 2008.
Principal activities, state of affairs and
business review
Principal activities
The principal activities of the Eskom group are described in the
profile section.
State of affairs and business review
The operating profit for the year for the Eskom group, before
the impact of embedded derivatives and net finance costs,
was R3 215 million (2007: R6 452 million) and for the company
R3 132 million (2007: R5 815 million) after taking into account
the following:
- a dividend of R800 million (2007: R202 million) from a
subsidiary is included in the net profit for the company (but
eliminated for the group)
- the change in the projected asset lives of coal-fired generation
plant from 35 to 50 years impacted the profit by a favourable
amount of R484 million
- the increased amount spent on primary energy. The costs of
coal and diesel increased from R13 040 million in 2007 to
R18 314 million in 2008
The profit for the year for the Eskom group was R974 million
(2007: R6 476 million) after taking into account the fair value loss
on embedded derivatives of R143 million (2007: fair value gain of
R4 305 million).
The profit for the year for the company was R1 333 million
(2007: R6 030 million) after taking into account the fair value loss
on embedded derivatives of R149 million (2007: fair value gain
of R4 131 million).
The forward electricity price curve used to value the
embedded derivatives was 27,5% for the 2008/9 year,
25% for the next three years, 18% for the 2012/13 year and
CPI+2% thereafter. A sensitivity analysis for the embedded
derivatives appears in note 3 to the annual financial statements.
Property, plant and equipment is disclosed in note 6 of the
annual financial statements. An amount of R24 764 million (2007:
R17 536 million) (includes interest capitalised) was spent on
property, plant and equipment during the year. The funding of the
capital expansion programme is discussed here.
The electricity regulator granted a 14,2% increase for the 2008/9
year. During March 2008 we submitted to Nersa an application
for a revision of the price increase for 2008/9 from 14,2% to a
nominal 60% (53% real) in order for Eskom to recover the full
primary energy costs and other operating costs. Nersa allowed
an increase of 27,5% against the 60% requested by Eskom.
For more detailed information on the performance for the year,
refer to the annual financial statements and to the business and
sustainability performance review.
In order to manage the current electricity capacity shortage
situation more effectively, the board decided to rationalise the
structure of Exco, details of which are to be found here and here in the corporate governance report.
Share capital and shareholder
The government of the Republic of South Africa is the sole
shareholder of Eskom Holdings Limited. The shareholder’s
representative is the Minister of Public Enterprises.
Dividends
No dividend was declared during the year under review after
taking into account the resource impact of the future build
programme, the current capital structure, and the dividend
policy.
Financial instruments
The disclosure of financial instruments has been expanded
significantly compared to previous years and is detailed in note 3 and notes 12 to 14 of the annual financial statements.
Going concern
The board has given particular attention to the assessment of
the going concern of the group and is of the view that the group
has access to adequate resources to continue in operational
existence for the foreseeable future. For further information
refer in the statement of responsibility of directors.
Directors
Mr TS Gcabashe was a member of the board and chief
executive, until 30 April 2007 and Mr PJ Maroga was appointed
in his place from 1 May 2007. The board of directors and their
details are discussed here and in the corporate
governance report.
Remuneration of directors and members of Exco
The remuneration of the directors and the executives who were
members of Exco during the financial year, is disclosed in note 43 of the annual financial statements, on page 198.
Company secretary
The details of the company secretary and his declaration in terms
of section 268G(d) of the Companies Act are disclosed in his
statement here.
Auditors
The statutory auditors for the forthcoming financial year will
be appointed at the annual general meeting scheduled for
17 July 2008.
Eskom’s policy is, where possible, not to use the external auditors
for non-audit services. In cases where the external auditors are
to be used for non-audit services, the prior approval of the audit
committee must be obtained.
Events subsequent to balance sheet date
Nersa announced on 18 June 2008 an additional increase in the
electricity tariff of 13,3% for the year ending March 2009 which
resulted in an 27,5% average increase year-on-year. Nersa also
ruled that the price increase to “poor” residential customers be
limited to 14,2%.
The fair value of embedded derivatives was calculated at
31 March 2008 based on the Nersa announcement of
18 June 2008 as well as the principle established in the previous
determination of 20 December 2007 relating to the electricity
prices reaching full economic levels. The forward electricity
price curve used to value the embedded derivatives was
27,5% for the 2008/09 year, 25% for the next three years,
18% for the 2012/13 year and CPI+2% thereafter.
A sensitivity analysis for the embedded derivatives appears in
note 3 to the annual financial statements.
Subsidiaries, associates and joint venture companies
The investment of Eskom in subsidiaries and equity accounted
investees is disclosed in note 8 and 9 in the annual financial
statements.
Interests of directors and officers
Details of directors’ and officers’ interests in quasi shares and
options are disclosed in note 43 in the annual financial statements.
Refer here for Eskom’s ethics policies and their application
regarding interests in contracts.
Research and development activities
Research and development activities are discussed in the research
blocks within each section of the business and sustainability
performance review.
Employee information
The Eskom group has increased its complement of employees
from 32 674 to 35 404 during the year in an endeavour to
address the skills shortage. The management of human resources
is discussed in the business and sustainability performance review
here.
Safety
Safety remains a major area of concern for Eskom, as regrettably
we have to report the deaths of 17 employees and 12 contract
workers in the past year. Much work and effort has been put into
safety awareness.
Environmental issues
Eskom’s response to climate change and limiting the impact on
the environment is discussed in the business and
sustainability performance review.
Political, religious and charitable donations
Eskom is committed to good corporate citizenship through its
corporate social investment (CSI) initiatives. Eskom does not
make donations and grants to political party activities, trade
union activities or religious organisations unless it is a non-profit
organisation and has an outreach programme that directly
benefits the community, for example, Aids hospice. Refer here in the business and sustainability performance review.
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