Tinotenda Hove- Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) has postponed its 20th graduation ceremony following extensive damage caused by a severe storm that hit Masvingo.

The university had been scheduled to hold the graduation ceremony on Wednesday, 7 October 2026, but the event has now been moved to Friday, 23 October 2026.

In a notice issued on Tuesday, 6 October, the university said the decision was necessitated by the destruction caused by the storm, which affected parts of Masvingo and damaged infrastructure associated with the graduation venue.

“Great Zimbabwe University wishes to advise all graduands, parents, guardians and stakeholders that the 20th Graduation Ceremony, scheduled for Wednesday, 7 October 2026, has been postponed to Friday 23 October 2026,” the university said.

The institution said the storm had caused “significant damage to the city and, in particular, the graduation venue and surrounding infrastructure”, making it necessary to delay the event.

GZU said the postponement was primarily intended to safeguard graduands, their families, guests, university employees and other stakeholders expected to attend the ceremony.

“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 unexpected change is likely to affect thousands of graduands and their relatives who had made preparations for the ceremony.

The university apologised for the disruption caused by the postponement and said additional information would be communicated through its official channels.

“The University sincerely regrets the inconvenience caused by this unforeseen development,” the notice stated.

The announcement was issued by the Great Zimbabwe University Information and Public Relations Office on 6 October 2026.