…venue changed 4 times
By Tatiana Mhararira
The changes in graduation venue for the Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) 18th graduation ceremony set for tomorrow (November 1, 2024) was marred with a lot of confusion disrupting plans for both graduands and guests.
Initial communications indicated that the event was going to take place at Mashava Campus which is about 45 km from Masvingo City after the official opening of the university’s Mashava hospital but later changed to Main Campus.
However it is alleged that state security agents raised concerns saying the area would be difficult to provide maximum for President Emmerson Mnangagwa during the graduation ceremony.
Contacted for comment on the venue changes, GZU Director of Information and Public Relations Anderson Chipatiso said he was occupied and students should go by what is written on the last communication issued.
In the first notice that was issued early October the graduation had been set to take place at Mashava campus on the October 31 but was however, moved to the university main campus and was to be held on November 1.
Shortly after the issuance of the second notice, a third notice was released indicating that the graduation had been moved back to Mashava Campus.
“GZU advises graduands and guests that the 2024 graduation ceremony has been moved from Thursday, October 31, 2024, to Friday, November 1, 2024, at Mashava Stadium,” read part of the notice.
However, on the eve of the graduation, another notice was issued indicating that the ceremony had been moved back to the Main Campus and that rehearsals would also take place there.
“GZU wishes to inform all stakeholders that the venue for the 18th graduation ceremony scheduled for Friday, November 1, 2024, is the Main Campus,” the notice read.
Some of the graduands aired their displeasure on GZU Facebook page expressing their state of confusion.
“With this state of confusion I can safely say University of Confusion not University of Choice,” said student
Another comment read “What is left is for us to be told to stand up during the ceremony, the new venue for the graduation ceremony is Mashava campus. Sorry for the inconveniences caused.”
“Next time prioritize graduands and guests the inconvenience is just unnecessary,” read another comment.
“GZU is acting like is under the influence of drugs the confusion and disorder is too much” another comment read.
“I’m confused I don’t know where exactly I should go for the graduation ceremony Mashava Campus or Main Campus,”
“If the University is facing venue challenges allow the graduation to be conducted using zoom meeting and people will attend the event in the comfort of their homes,” another comment read.
The conflicting announcements have created confusion among graduands and guests, raising questions about the reasons behind the venue changes, the decision to move to Mashava Campus, and the last-minute confirmation of the Main Campus as the final location.
