Former African National Congress (ANC) spokesperson Zizi Kodwa has confirmed that ex-EOH executive Jehan Mackay made several payments into his personal bank account.

Testifying before the Zondo Commission on Monday morning, Kodwa said the payments were made when he had financial difficulties.

In an affidavit he read out, he said he became friends with Mackay in 2013.

But, he added: "I also confirm that such payments were not quid pro quo for any assistance then, or even in future. I often turned to friends like Mackay as and when I faced financial difficulties."

At some point, he asked Mackay to help with groceries for one of the ANC branches and to pay for T-shirts.

Head of forensic investigation at ENSafrica, Steven Powell, previously told the commission that Kodwa received money from Mackay.

Powell also testified that Mackay sought Kodwa's advice and influence so that EOH could win two multimillion-rand tenders.

He claimed that Kodwa received a payment of R890 000, which was believed to be for a vehicle.

EOH and its consortium was awarded a R217-million contract from the Eastern Cape Department of Education.

However, on Monday, Kodwa said all the payments and financial assistance came from Mackay and not the entities he represented.

Kodwa said: "Such payments were indeed financial help from a friend, and yes, they sometimes involve figures that seem high; however, I assure you that it was due to my financial difficulties and sometimes need for accommodation as I travelled.

He conceded that he received a R1-million loan from Mackay and said R890 000 went towards the purchase of a vehicle.

"I confirm this was a loan from a friend and [there were] no strings attached," he said, adding that he would not have been able to secure a bank loan.

"It was also flexible for me as Mackay indicated that I did not have to rush [to make] payments until I felt my finances had been stabilised."

Evidence leader, advocate Matthew Chaskalson, asked if he would be able to repay the money if Mackay asked for it tomorrow.

Kodwa said this was a conversation between friends and added that it was not a "normal loan with strict instructions".

He further told the commission that it was not correct that Mackay paid for his hotel accommodation.

"Mr Mackay has several properties in Cape Town. As a friend, I often slept at one of his properties as and when I needed to," he said.

Kodwa claimed that Mackay demanded no payments for his time at any of his homes, adding that he played no role in any of the tenders.

Kodwa also denied that the payments were offered to him to facilitate any unlawful acts.

He added that he acknowledged that some of the "assistance" he received, which included accommodation and catering, could be seen as "excessive and extravagant hospitality". But he said it was offered to him and that he accepted it.