Trust Rukwava
Centre News Education Hub
Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) held its first inception meeting and a tour of University facilities for its University Council recently.
The Council had officially taken over the reigns of power in October 2025 at a swearing in ceremony presided over by the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Dr. Frederick Shava.
The Council was officially welcomed by Vice Chancellor, Professor Rungano Zvobgo and the University management recently.
Professor Zvobgo gave the council a comprehensive brief about the University, its history and where it is today and where it aspires to be in its endeavor to become one of the best University institutions in the country and beyond the country’s borders.
The Council comprises of Professor Mandivamba Rukuni, Professor Rudo Irene Makunike-Mutasa, Dr Matthews Tichaona Kunaka, Dr Ing Farai Karonga, Dr Enos Mutambu Shumba, Dr Susan Dimbi, Dr Polex Moyo, Mrs Siphathisiwe Mguni-Maisiri, Mrs Emilliah S. Mabika, Mr. Phinias Mamwa, Mr. Jonathan Benjamin Rushwaya, Mr. Vusumuzi Mpofu, Mr. Divine Ngwenya and Mr. Wikirefu Sonono.
GZU Public Relations Officer, Anderson Tawanda Chipatiso, said the Council toured university facilities and will serve for a period of four years.
“The University Council functions as the overall governing body of the University with oversight over its strategic direction, management of University finances, setting up of policies, leadership and staff appointment and ensuring academic quality,” said Chipatiso.
GZU was transformed from Masvingo State University established by an Act of Parliament Chapter 22.24 No.11/2002.
In March 2004 the then Masvingo State University enrolled its first group of Bachelor of Education Early Childhood Education and the Bachelor of Education Primary Pre-Service degree programmes.
In September 2004, while addressing Traditional Chiefs at the Great Zimbabwe Monuments, the late former President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe indicated the need for a state institution of higher learning named after the Great Zimbabwe Monuments.
The institution would derive inspiration from the symbolism of the national shrine in determining its special niche. Its curricula would focus on heritage studies, arts and culture but without abandoning those areas that are required for human resource training for overall national development.
In January 2006, the then Masvingo State University hosted the International Conference on the Transformation of Masvingo State University to Great Zimbabwe University under the theme: Reclaiming National and Cultural Heritage in Higher Education: Situating the Humanities and Creative Arts in Local Contexts.
In July 2007, the Masvingo State University Amendment Act (2007) was passed in Parliament paving the way for Masvingo State University to be renamed Great Zimbabwe University.
The multi Campus University has grown in leaps and bounds to chun out over 3000 graduands every year in various undergraduate and post graduate degree programmes in numerous faculties.
The University of Choice has the following faculties, Simon Mazorodze School of medical and health science, Julius Nyerere School of social sciences, School of natural sciences, Gary Magadzire School of agriculture and engineering, Munhumutapa School of business sciences, Herbert Chitepo law school and Simon Muzenda School of arts, culture and heritage.
