South Africa has already signed a provisional memorandum of understanding with Zimbabwe for a R6,5-billion credit facility, Business Day newspaper reported on Friday.
It quoted unnamed Zimbabwean sources as saying officials from the South African Reserve Bank and their Zimbabwean counterparts agreed on a draft deal last week.
South Africa’s troubled northern neighbour reportedly needs the money to settle an overdue International Monetary Fund debt.
Government spokesperson Joel Netshitenzhe told Business Day on Thursday night that ”other consultations involving the national treasury and the reserve banks of both countries” had taken place.
He would not say whether a memorandum of understanding had been signed.
”I am not aware of it, but that doesn’t mean a memorandum of understanding doesn’t exist,” said Netshitenzhe.
He said no decision on whether to grant the loan had been made. Senior officials of the Zimbabwean central bank confirmed the agreement, but would not give details of the draft.
President Thabo Mbeki might make an announcement on the loan at the weekend the end of this week’s Cabinet lekgotla.
The Mail & Guardian reported on Friday that Zimbabwe would not accept financial help tied to conditions.
It quoted George Charamba, spokesperson for Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, as saying that South Africa was one of numerous countries Zimbabwe had approached for a loan.
”I don’t understand why the South African media is treating the loan request as unique to South Africa,” Charamba said.
”We have also made representations to the Indian government.” – Sapa