Zimbabwean swimmers Donata Katai and Liam O’Hara set new personal best times in the 100m backstroke and 200m individual medley events at the 16th FINA World Swimming Championships in Melbourne. Katai finished with a time of 1.01.85, while O’Hara set a new national record of 2.04.90. Coach Masi Takaedza expressed satisfaction with their performances and highlighted the conducive training environment. Nomvula Mjimba is set to compete in the 100m freestyle, and O’Hara will participate in the 100m breaststroke.

Mo Ibrahim, founder of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, discusses his initiative to honor former African leaders who democratically transfer power to their successors with the US$5 million Mo Ibrahim Prize. He emphasizes the importance of good governance and leadership in Africa, highlighting the need for better management of resources and the recognition of positive role models. Ibrahim shares insights from his discussions with notable leaders like Nelson Mandela and Kofi Annan, and underscores the significance of the Ibrahim Index of African Governance in measuring and promoting effective governance. The interview also touches on the challenges faced by former leaders in Africa and the broader implications of recognizing and supporting good leadership on the continent.

Nearly 40,000 people have been displaced in South Sudan's Upper Nile State due to renewed fighting, according to the UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. The displaced are in dire need of urgent assistance, and threats of violence are hindering humanitarian efforts. Ceasefire monitors plan to investigate the clashes, which involve the national army, Maiwut opposition forces, and ethnic rival groups in the Fashoda area. The Community for Progress Organisation reported armed youths amassing troops, though this information has not been independently verified.

At least 100 top government officials in Zimbabwe are receiving solar panels at taxpayer expense to mitigate the impact of rolling electricity outages, despite the general population enduring up to 18-hour power cuts daily. The project, managed by the Public Service Commission, is criticized for its inflated costs and perceived favoritism towards high-ranking officials. Trade unions and public sector representatives have condemned the initiative, arguing it exacerbates inequality and fails to address the broader energy crisis affecting ordinary citizens.

Winky D, the renowned Zimdancehall artist, is set to launch a new album on December 31 at the Harare International Conference Centre. Known for his cryptic messages and rare media appearances, Winky D's latest endeavor aims to promote unity and combat intolerance within the music industry. The event will feature performances by several other artists, marking a significant move towards collaboration. Winky D's use of steampunk fashion and references to historical figures like Archimedes underscores his commitment to addressing social issues through innovative and artistic means.

The Strategy, Transformation, Incubation and Release (STIR) programme in Zimbabwe aims to promote excellence and productivity by providing business ideation and development incubation through strategic mentoring. Piloted at Women's University in Africa, the programme has received positive feedback for transforming mindsets and equipping young professionals. The initiative seeks to address gaps in the Zimbabwean curriculum by fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, with plans to expand nationally and across Africa. The programme requires significant funding and aims to engage more stakeholders and partners.

At Zanu PF’s elective congress, Emmerson Mnangagwa was endorsed to remain the ruling party’s leader, securing his position as Zimbabwe’s president until at least mid-2023. Analysts view this as a strategic move against Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga’s ambitions. Despite Mnangagwa’s efforts to weaken Chiwenga’s influence, the vice-president retains significant power, supported by the military. Chiwenga’s allies believe his plan to ascend to the presidency remains on track, based on an alleged agreement with Mnangagwa. The political landscape remains unpredictable, with potential conflicts looming between Mnangagwa and Chiwenga.

Zimbabwe is grappling with a severe drug abuse crisis, with 60% of mental institution admissions linked to drug use among youths. The high unemployment rate and porous borders have exacerbated the problem, making the country a target for drug cartels. Law enforcement needs to enhance crime detection and surveillance, while parents must monitor their children's behavior to prevent drug abuse. A proactive approach is essential to combat this menace and protect the country's social fabric and health system.

Micheal Mangondoza, a resilient entrepreneur from Chitungwiza, overcame early life hardships to become the CEO of BetterBrands Petroleum and Rocket Energy. Known as 'Money Mike,' he supports 150 children at Salem’s Children’s Home in Epworth, funding their education and meals. Despite his success, Mangondoza remains humble and inspired by figures like Grant Cardone and Vusi Thembekwayo.

Zimbabwe is facing severe power outages, exacerbating an already critical economic crisis. The prolonged load-shedding affects households and businesses, leading to rising costs of basic necessities. The power shortages are attributed to inadequate inflows into the Kariba Dam, aging coal-fired power plants, and poor management. Former Energy Minister Fortune Chasi is praised for his effective tenure, while the current administration is criticized for corruption and lack of reforms. The ongoing crisis threatens the country's economic growth and development, calling for urgent government action.

The Confession Booth podcast, hosted by Alex “Zezuru Rockstar” Gusha and FadzI “Tete Fadzi” Mutwira, has quickly gained popularity on YouTube with its no-holds-barred approach to discussing anonymous confessions on topics like relationships, money, sex, and love. Produced by Eleven Dogs Production and distributed through Hakustream, the show is praised for its therapeutic value and plans to include professional counselors in future episodes. Eleven Dogs Production is known for other successful shows and is set to release three new productions in January.

Following Bukhosi Sibanda's exit, Highlanders are expected to release three more players—Toto Banda, Crispen Ncube, and Muziwakhe Dlamini—as they aim to build a competitive squad for the next season. The club is in talks to either loan out or negotiate the contracts of these players. New additions from Harare, including Mark Mushore, Luckmore Mutumbi, and Kelvin Dube, are anticipated. Highlanders are also promoting youth players and may recall Daniel Msendami from his loan in Botswana. The team plans to blend youthful energy with experienced players for the upcoming season.

Innocent Benza, owner and player of Herentals FC, urges authorities to push for Zimbabwe's return to international football, enabling the women's team, Herentals Queens, to compete in Africa after winning the Women's Super League title. Despite their success, the team cannot participate in international competitions due to Zimbabwe's suspension by FIFA. Benza also criticized ZIFA for not presenting the women's team with a trophy and medals. The club celebrated various achievements at their awards ceremony, with Tino Benza winning multiple accolades.

Nicholas 'Gokwe Boy' Hwende, a Zimbabwean Mixed Martial Arts fighter based in South Africa, aims to transition from the Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC) to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) due to a lack of worthy opponents in his current division. Hwende recently defended his EFC World bantamweight title against Nkazimulo 'Zulu Boy' Zulu, despite sustaining an eye injury. He hopes to participate in Dana White's Contender Series next year to showcase his talent on a larger stage.

The Sakutukwa Theatre group in Murewa uses theatre to educate rural communities about HIV and AIDS, significantly impacting awareness and reducing stigma. The initiative, supported by various programs like Sista2Sista and the National Aids Council, leverages the power of performance to convey critical health messages effectively. The approach has been praised for its ability to reach diverse audiences, including those with low literacy levels, and has contributed to a notable decline in HIV prevalence in Mashonaland East Province.

The Zimbabwe golfing community will honor the late teaching professional Roger Baylis with a memorial service at Chapman Golf Club. Baylis, who passed away at 84, was instrumental in developing some of Zimbabwe's top golfers and served as the head professional at Chapman Golf Club since 1986. Tributes have poured in globally, highlighting his significant contributions to the sport. The memorial service will take place on December 13, 2022, at Chapman Golf Club.

Zambian police have announced an increase in vehicle checks at the country's borders after 27 Ethiopian migrants were found dead on the outskirts of Lusaka, likely having suffocated during their journey to South Africa. This follows a similar incident in Malawi in October. The UN reports that 12,000 migrants have been missing in Africa since 2014.

The article emphasizes the importance of being deeply rooted in God's Word for a victorious Christian life. It argues that many believers struggle because they fail to prioritize God's Word, which is essential for faith and spiritual growth. The text uses biblical parables and scriptures to illustrate that God's Word functions like a seed that must be planted and nurtured in one's heart to yield spiritual and material benefits, such as healing, prosperity, and deliverance.