MASVINGO — Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) has postponed its 20th graduation ceremony after a severe storm damaged the graduation venue and surrounding infrastructure in Masvingo.

The ceremony, which was scheduled for Wednesday, October 7, 2026, will now be held on Friday, October 23, 2026, according to an urgent notice issued by the university’s Information and Public Relations Office on Tuesday.

GZU said the decision followed the “severe devastation” caused by a sudden storm that hit Masvingo on Monday night.

“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.

“The postponement has therefore been made in the interest of the safety and wellbeing of all graduands, their families, guests, staff and other stakeholders,” the university said.

The storm has disrupted preparations for one of the university’s major annual events, with damage reported to infrastructure around the city.

The university apologised for the inconvenience caused by the last-minute change and said further updates would be communicated through its official communication channels.

The postponement means graduands and their families who had already made travel and accommodation arrangements for the October 7 ceremony will now have to adjust their plans.

GZU’s 20th graduation ceremony is now scheduled for October 23, subject to further communication from the university.