House Chairman, the answer to the first question under question 309 is as follows. No, the government approval included the approval of the support framework for Eskom. The support framework was negotiated in parallel with the rest of the other approvals required for the Window 1 financial close. However, the department has already received the required approval under the Public Finance Management Act, PFMA, to commit the Revenue Fund from the Minister of Finance. In addition to the approval under the PFMA, the Minister of Finance has also signed the support framework for Eskom in relation to the renewable energy programme.
The signed Eskom support framework provides for further attachment in relation to the subsequent round and there is no need to negotiate the whole agreement again. This will assist in avoiding delays with regard to the subsequent windows, in particular the required government approvals. The signing of the renewable projects under Window 1 will take place on 5 November 2012. The department believes that almost all the 28 preferred bidders under Window 1 will be signed accordingly without challenges. This can only be confirmed on the date of signature.
In regard to the second question, yes, given that some of the bids will expire at the end of October 2012, there is a necessity to extend the bid validity until the end of November to allow for the implementation agreement, direct agreement, and power purchase agreement on 5 November, and the rest of the other documents with the lenders and contracts will follow. Thank you.