The City of Johannesburg has made a payment exceeding R4.3 billion to settle its outstanding electricity debt with Eskom. This action was taken by the municipal company to prevent potential power outages in Johannesburg.
Previously, IOL reported that Eskom had warned of possible reductions, interruptions, or disconnections of electricity in parts of Johannesburg after the city and City Power failed to repay over R5 billion in unpaid bills.
The municipal company stated that it has received and is currently reviewing submissions from residents and other interested parties under the PAJA process, which was initiated due to the unpaid electricity bill.
Eskom noted that although payments made by City Power and the City of Johannesburg show positive momentum, the total debt has not yet been fully cleared. As of July 24, 2026, the total overdue balance amounted to R3,801,864,153.45, of which R1,222,786,264 relates to the current overdue account, and R2,579,077,889.00 relates to the balance under the High Court-approved settlement agreement.
The utility also reported that the current electricity bill of R2,636,676,621.00 is due by August 3, 2026. Furthermore, the City committed to making payments totaling R5,117,736,000 by August 21, 2026.
Eskom added that the PAJA process has been extended until August 22, 2026. This will allow the company to complete the assessment of received submissions and monitor the City's compliance with its obligations to pay electricity bills and its promised payments. The utility emphasized that nothing during this process constitutes a waiver of any rights available to Eskom under applicable agreements, court orders, or legislation.
The Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathy, met with the Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Stasa Kosarac, on Sunday, July 26, 2026. The meeting took place at the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM).
Fathy emphasized the strong ties between the two states and the shared commitment to expanding interaction, particularly in the fields of tourism and antiquities. He also reviewed the results of his recent visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina, including discussions on promoting bilateral tourism cooperation.
The main focus of the negotiations was on increasing tourist flows between the countries, promoting their tourism offerings, and expanding air connections to support the travel and tourism sector. The ministers also examined opportunities for cooperation in staff training and capacity building, as well as mechanisms for activating the memorandum of understanding on tourism signed during Fathy's last visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Furthermore, they discussed participation in the Expo 2027 exhibition in Belgrade, viewing this event as an opportunity to showcase the tourist destinations of both countries and organize business-to-business (B2B) meetings among participants in the tourism industry to find new avenues for cooperation. After the meeting, Kosarac and her delegation visited the Grand Egyptian Museum and the Pyramids of Giza accompanied by Fathy.
The Uzbek-Afghan Business Forum took place in Kabul, gathering over 400 entrepreneurs and investors from both countries. Participants discussed issues of expanding trade and economic interaction, developing industrial integration, and launching new joint projects.
The event was organized by the Ministry of Investments, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan, as well as the Afghan Chamber of Trade and Investment. Heads of ministries and departments from both countries, as well as representatives of industry associations and business communities from various economic sectors, took part in the forum.
At the opening of the forum, Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Jamshid Khojaev and Minister of Industry and Trade of Afghanistan Nuruddin Azizi emphasized the significance of this platform for strengthening bilateral economic ties, diversifying export markets, and increasing industrial cooperation.
During meetings between businesses, participants discussed cooperation opportunities in areas such as textile industry, agriculture, production of building materials, and logistics, among others. After the negotiations, the parties concluded a number of agreements on implementing joint initiatives. The forum concluded with the signing of contracts and agreements aimed at further expanding trade and economic relations between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan.
The Burgman scooter, which was already known in the Brazilian two-wheeler market under the Suzuki brand, has returned to the country through Haojue. It offers the proposal of combining practicality with technological elements, resulting in a pleasant model to ride, despite presenting some aspects that could be improved.
From the first moments, it is clear that the Burgman ADX 125 was designed to facilitate use. Its low seat provides safety, the ergonomics are welcoming, and the riding position allows all controls to be within reach of the rider. The automatic CVT transmission system simplifies driving, requiring only acceleration and braking, making it ideal for beginners or those who prefer leaving the car for urban commutes.
The scooter's dynamics are reinforced by the 12-inch front wheel, which represents an improvement over previous models sold in Brazil, providing greater stability. Furthermore, its reduced weight aids in maneuvering and changing direction in parking lots and lanes, making it very smooth and predictable in heavy traffic.
Under the seat, there is a 124.9 cm³ air-cooled single-cylinder engine that generates 9 hp of power and 1.02 kgfm of torque. Although these figures are adequate for the urban use proposed by the Burgman, they hinder high-speed highway riding. However, this mechanical unit exhibits slightly higher vibrations than the category average, especially at higher revolutions, a notable detail for daily users.
Another point raised is the audible alert activated when using the turn indicators. Although this feature aims to increase safety and prevent forgetfulness, in practice, the noise can be constant in the urban environment and annoying during routes with many curves.
In contrast to the engine performance, the equipment set from Haojue surprises positively. The Burgman ADX is equipped with items typically found on higher-category scooters, including front ABS braking, traction control with disable option, keyless entry, parking brake, colored TFT display, full LED lighting, USB input, and a standard rear trunk—a feature that many competitors charge extra for.
These features add practical value: the keyless entry eliminates the need to search for the key, the display offers good readability, traction control adds safety on slippery surfaces, and the trunk increases carrying capacity without extra cost, which is advantageous for daily use.
The main challenge for the Burgman ADX 125 lies in its market positioning. With a suggested price of R$ 16,950 (excluding shipping), it exceeds the cost of direct rivals, such as the Honda Elite, which starts at R$ 14,400 and already has an established customer base.
Although the new Burgman offers a robust technological package, it competes against very consolidated brands, notably Honda, which has a vast network of dealerships, a solid reputation for after-sales support, and good appreciation in the used market. In summary, Haojue managed to revive a relevant name in the scooter segment without relying solely on nostalgia. The Burgman ADX 125 is easy to operate, safe, and well-equipped, making it a great entry point for motorcycles, but its high price, combined with engine vibrations and the persistent audible alert, prevents the experience from being completely refined. For those seeking modernity and urban ease, it is a valid option, but those prioritizing cost-benefit and tradition should analyze the alternatives already present in the Brazilian market.
