馃嚦馃嚘NamibiaSouthern Africa
George Russell wins Austrian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen second
via The Namibian3 min read
George Russell secured his second victory of the year and seventh career win at the Austrian Grand Prix, driving for Mercedes. He finished 1.611 seconds ahead of Red Bull's Max Verstappen, who in turn was 0.375 seconds ahead of championship leader Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes. McLaren's Oscar Piastri took fourth place, followed by Lewis Hamilton of Ferrari. Russell's win reduced Antonelli's lead in the drivers' title race by 10 points, bringing the gap to 40 points. The race, held in hot conditions, saw various strategic pit stops and tire management from the drivers. Russell started from pole position and maintained his lead through much of the race, despite strong challenges from Verstappen and Antonelli. Verstappen, who started fifth, managed his tires effectively, while Antonelli admitted to being overly aggressive in the initial laps. The event was marked by shifting strategies and tire degradation, with Russell ultimately holding off Verstappen in the final laps.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
The Khomas region has made significant strides in healthcare and social welfare, with 95% of people living with HIV aware of their status. Khomas Governor Sam Nujoma reported that the government has committed over N$59.2 million to key health infrastructure projects. Renovations are underway at Katutura Intermediate Hospital, and phase one of the Windhoek District Hospital has begun, with tenders for bulk services and electrical networks awarded at N$25.2 million and N$17.5 million, respectively. The N$16.5 million phase two upgrade of the Etegameno Rehabilitation and Resource Centre is also in progress, alongside plans for a new central medical store. Nujoma highlighted the introduction of 24-hour clinical services at Okuryangava Health Centre and Nathaniel Maxuilili Clinic, and extended doctor availability at Katutura Health Centre, which have eased pressure on Katutura Intermediate Hospital. Regarding HIV-AIDS, 94% of diagnosed patients are receiving antiretroviral treatment, and 98% of those on treatment have achieved viral suppression. However, tuberculosis remains a concern, with Khomas recording the highest number of TB cases nationally. In social welfare, vulnerable households received food assistance, and N$500,000 was allocated for blankets and winter clothing for about 700 vulnerable residents. The governor鈥檚 office also held a disability inclusion consultation following the launch of the Revised National Policy on Disability in 2025.
Must ReadPresident Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah indicated that the government might introduce legislation to compel investors to contribute to community development if they do not do so voluntarily. Speaking at the inauguration of the Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah Science Exhibition Hall at R枚ssing Uranium Ondangwa Centre, she urged investors to build clinics, roads, and sports facilities as part of their corporate social responsibility. The President emphasized the importance of tangible contributions to communities where investments are made, highlighting Namibia's unemployment challenges and the need to invest in young people. She questioned why a law would be necessary to ensure such contributions, stating, "If you want, I will make it." Nandi-Ndaitwah encouraged existing corporate social responsibility efforts and commended R枚ssing Uranium Limited for its N$37.1 million investment in the Ondangwa Centre. She stressed that peace and stability in the country depend on all citizens benefiting from economic development. Economist Omu Kakujaha-Matundu commented that while the proposal is not inherently bad, investors are primarily driven by profit and might seek loopholes in such legislation.
Namibia experienced a decrease in German and European tourist arrivals in 2025, a trend that may be linked to a new visa policy implemented in April of the previous year, which ended visa-free travel for European nations. Gitta Paetzold, chief executive of the Hospitality Association of Namibia, suggested that visa policies could be diminishing the country's competitiveness as a tourist destination. A report from the Ministry of Environment and Tourism indicated fewer German tourists visited Namibia in 2025 compared to 2024, alongside a general decline in European visitors. While the hospitality industry itself has not observed a similar decline in its own visitor numbers, the overall international visitor count to Namibia dropped by 6.5% and tourist arrivals by 3.2% compared to 2024. Tourism Minister Indileni Daniel described this decrease as a "wake-up call" to enhance the country's competitiveness. German tourists, who constitute the largest group from non-African countries, saw a 27.4% reduction in numbers in 2025, and European tourists overall decreased by 21%. Daniel also cited safety concerns reported in international media and crimes against tourists as contributing factors to the decline.