The Great Zimbabwe University, then known as Masvingo State University, was established through the recommendations of the Chetsanga Report of August 1995 which proposed the devolution of Teachers’ and Technical Colleges into degree awarding institutions that would eventually become universities in their own right.
The University was launched in June 1999 as the Masvingo Degree Programme of the University of Zimbabwe with 120 students enrolled for a two-year In-Service Bachelor of Education Primary School degree. Professor Obert Edward Maravanyika was appointed as the first acting Pro Vice Chancellor. He was asked to produce a concept paper on the future of a university in Masvingo. Prof Maravanyika identified the university’s niche as the reading of arts and culture related studies in performing, visual, literary and digi/electronic arts.
In 2000, the Masvingo Degree Programme saw its first output of 118 students who had completed the two year programme Bachelor of Education (In-Service) degree. The Masvingo Degree Programme was upgraded to a University College of the University of Zimbabwe in the same year.
On 5 March 2003, 100 first year Bachelor of Arts students and 120 first year Bachelor of Education (Primary) students were the first to register under the new Masvingo State University. On December 17 2003, the Council for Masvingo State University was inaugurated and Prof Maravanyika was appointed Acting Vice Chancellor.
Search for Great Zimbabwe University