SOUTH African state defence company Denel has asked for 3.8 billion rand ($231 million) 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…