S. Africa power utility confirms payment from Zimbabwean counterpart

South Africa's power utility Eskom on Tuesday said it received payment from the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (Zesa) for energy imported to the neighboring country.

Power cables from the state run power provider Eskom are seen running through the morning mist in Johannesburg, South Africa, 18 June 2018. [File Photo: IC]

Although Eskom spokesperson Dikatso Mothae declined to reveal the amount of money paid, the Zimbabwean government said the payment was 10 million U.S. dollars.

"Eskom confirms that payment made by Zimbabwe is reflection in our account. We are not at liberty to disclose the amount paid," Mothae told Xinhua.

While Zesa has made the payment, it is believed that the power utility still owes Eskom for unpaid electricity.

"Discussion will continue with Zesa would continue to find a mutually beneficial solution to the outstanding debt," said Mothae.

Zimbabwe was forced to implement load shedding in May after Eskom reduced energy imported to Zimbabwe due to the issue of non-payment. Discussion between the two institutions would clarify whether energy imported to Zimbabwe would be increased.

"Eskom is a commercial operation and will be guided by the contracts we have in place with Zesa, we will discuss all matters concerned," Mothae added.