Eskom South Africa says that they will only start engaging their Zimbabwean counterparts ZESA on releasing electricity into their troubled neighbours only after they have received payment on the $80m outstanding debt.

The giant power company which is also battling to sustain demand in its country said it has not received any payment from Zimbabwe as alleged by the Zimbabwean Minister of Energy Fortune Chasi this week.

“Eskom would like to state that no funds have reflected on its accounts for Zimbabwe’s outstanding debt as at 28 June at 15h00,” said the company in a statement.

“This is in response to the announcement made in Zimbabwe and queries that Eskom is receiving regarding this issue.”  

“Once Eskom has received the funds, we will then enter into further discussions with Zesa,” Eskom Group Chief Executive Phakamani Hadebe said.