MASVINGO – Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) has postponed its 20th Graduation Ceremony after a sudden storm battered Masvingo overnight, damaging many parts of the city including the graduation venue.
The ceremony which was scheduled for this Wednesday October 7, 2026, will now be held on Friday, October 23, 2026.
In an urgent notice issued on October 6 by its Information and Public Relations Office, the university cited “severe devastation” caused by the storm and said the decision was made in the interest of the safety and wellbeing of graduands, families, guests and staff.
The notice, addressed to graduands, parents, guardians and stakeholders, said the university “sincerely regrets the inconvenience caused by this unforeseen development.” Further updates will be issued through official university channels.
Meanwhile, the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has warned of flash floods likely to affect selected areas in Harare.
The MSD has urged the public to avoid crossing flooded rivers and streams, keep away from low-lying areas and shelter indoors during thunderstorms. In a separate advisory issued on September 27, the department had already warned of lightning, strong winds and localised downpours of more than 30mm.
Harare’s flood-prone suburbs such as Mbare, Highfield, Budiriro, Glen Norah and Warren Park suffered heavily in the last rainy season. The Combined Harare Residents Association has called on council to clear blocked storm drains before the rains set in.
For GZU graduands and their families, many of whom had made travel and accommodation plans, the delay is a setback, but the university says safety comes first.
