Staff Writer
Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) has postponed its 20th graduation ceremony from October 7 to October 23, 2026, following severe damage caused by a sudden storm that struck Masvingo on Monday evening.
The university’s Information and Public Relations Office announced the postponement in an urgent notice issued on Tuesday, October 6, saying the storm caused significant damage to the city, particularly the graduation venue and surrounding infrastructure.
The 20th graduation ceremony had been scheduled for Wednesday, October 7, but the university said the extent of the damage made it necessary to reschedule the event.
“The decision follows the severe devastation caused by the sudden storm that affected Masvingo last night, resulting in significant damage to the city and, in particular, the graduation venue and surrounding infrastructure,” the university said.
The postponement was made in the interest of the safety and wellbeing of graduands, their families, guests, staff and other stakeholders expected to attend the ceremony.
The university said the new graduation date had been set for Friday, October 23, 2026.
The storm, which affected Masvingo on Monday evening, disrupted preparations for one of the university’s major annual events and left infrastructure requiring attention before the ceremony can safely proceed.
GZU said it regretted the inconvenience caused by the unexpected development and assured graduands, parents, guardians and other stakeholders that further updates would be communicated through the university’s official communication channels.
The postponement means graduands and their families will have to adjust arrangements that had already been made for the October 7 ceremony, including travel and accommodation plans for those coming from outside Masvingo.
The university’s 20th graduation ceremony is now expected to proceed on October 23, subject to the restoration and assessment of the affected facilities.