Eskom confirms Zimbabwe has made a partial payment

July 2, 2019
| Report Focus News

Eskom has confirmed it has received payment from Zimbabwe.

Earlier on Tuesday, Report Focus News  reported that Zimbabwe Energy minister Fortune Chasi posted proof of the country’s US$10m payment to Eskom on Twitter. The country has been suffering power outages due to outstanding debt.

The power utility confirmed that payment reflected on Tuesday.

“Eskom confirms that the payment made by Zimbabwe is reflecting in its account today,” Eskom said in a media statement.

Eskom did not disclose how much was paid but said it would work with Zimbabwe’s state-owned power utility for solutions.

However, Zimbabwe’s state-owned power utility owes Eskom more than US$40-million (R564-million) for electricity borrowed over the years.

“Discussions will continue with the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) to find a mutually beneficial solution to the outstanding debt. Eskom is a commercial operation and will be guided by the contracts we have in place with ZESA,” Eskom added.

On Friday, Eskom said it had not the received payment from Zimbabwe.

However, Zimbabwe’s energy minister Fortune Chasi posted proof of the R139-million payment on social media.

The amount is an equivalent of $10-million.